CHICAGO – Following the death of his friend and colleague, Scott Bennett, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. released the following statement.

“To say that I am devastated by the loss of my friend and colleague Scott Bennett is an understatement. 

“Senator Bennett always led with much grace and dignity, and I will forever be grateful for his stewardship, partnership and friendship.

“Scott worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, evidenced most recently by his work on the subsequent trailer bills of the SAFE-T Act where he willingly sacrificed time with his family over the holiday weekend to improve the lives of people he would never meet. His service is indicative of his commitment to his District and the people of Illinois. 

“I will forever remember his smile, words of encouragement, quick wit and unmatched sense of humor. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Stacy, two children, and all who knew him. Scott loved the people he represented, but he loved his family more — they truly were his pride and joy. His legacy will forever live on.”

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..