CHICAGO – To provide local residents with a one-stop shop to receive free health screenings and assistance from local elected officials, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a Community Health Fair.

The Community Health Fair will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jesse Owens Park, located at 8800 S. Clyde Ave. Participants will be able to receive free blood pressure, diabetes and vision screenings. State, local and city agencies will also be available to provide resources and information.

The fair is in partnership with Alderwoman Michelle Harris, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and State Representative Nicholas Smith. Attendees should bring a valid ID card in order to take advantage of some of the available resources.

People with questions can reach out to Sims’ office at 773-933-7715.

WHO: Residents of the 17^th District and surrounding areas

WHAT: Community Health Fair

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Jesse Owens Park, 8800 S. Clyde Ave.

CHICAGO – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.-championed Illinois Family Relief Plan.

"Our goal in crafting this year's budget was to build upon our sound spending decisions to put Illinois on the right fiscal path after years of financial challenges, coupled with other tax incentives announced this year,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “This rollout of the income and property tax rebate will provide additional financial relief for millions of Illinoisans.”

Championed by Sims, the Senate’s lead budget negotiator, Senate Bill 157 provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly  – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting this week – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. 

"Families across our state have been experiencing some very challenging times, from the pains of the pandemic to the increased costs of living, but we are facing these challenges together. I am pleased we were able to create this credit to offer taxpayers some needed relief."

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

CHICAGO – It’s been over a year since the death of Illinois State University student Jelani Day, and his family and the community still have questions about his death. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – who championed what is known as the “Jelani Day” bill – will celebrate Day’s life and legacy Saturday.

“A year has passed since the tragic loss of Mr. Jelani Day, yet his family, the community – and I – continue to mourn,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Mr. Day’s family – and the families of missing people across this state – deserve our continued help, support and assistance.”

When Day went missing, it took two weeks to find his body and another three weeks to identify his remains. This led Sims to champion a law – Senate Bill 3932 – to allow county coroners and medical examiners to receive federal assistance in identifying missing persons. Day’s family played an instrumental role in the passage of the measure.

The new law will require a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that are not identified within 72 hours of discovery to immediately notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance in identification.

While both Day’s family and Sims himself are proud of the steps the legislature took to ensure no other Illinois family has to experience the tragedy Day’s family felt, they believe more awareness still needs to be brought forth.

That’s why Sims is standing with Day’s family as they launch the Jelani Day Foundation, an effort to fight for change and equity to ensure families of color have the help and momentum needed during the search for missing loved ones.  

The celebration of life and further announcements regarding the launch of the foundation will be held at the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University Saturday, Aug. 27 from 5-9 p.m.

People can get tickets for the event by clicking here. Members of the media who would like press credentials for the event should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. the Illinois Department of Transportation announced nearly $13 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.

“This is a meaningful investment to preserve local roads and bridges,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “We are taking a responsible approach to not only address safety and traffic issues, but to prevent them before they arise.”  

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Sims represents will see 10 infrastructure projects totaling more than $37 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include:

• Intersection improvement at Burville Road
• Lighting improvements in Calumet City on Sibley Boulevard to 154^th Street
• Reconstruction of 1.5 miles of roads near S Butler Drive and S Stony Island Avenue

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

"Aside from making our roads safer, these projects will provide quality jobs and help people recover from the financial impact of the pandemic,” Sims said.  

To find a full list of projects slated for the 17^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.