CHICAGO – For the fourth time in a year, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Fitch Ratings – one of the nation’s major credit rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally-responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) – who serves as the Senate’s lead budget negotiator and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee – released the following statement in response:

“When I look at the budget we passed last month, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills and put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families. Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.

“Fitch’s two level rating upgrade shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction, our unemployment rate is down and we’ve added thousands of new jobs in key industries, like hospitality and professional services. Our future looks bright and I look forward to continued collaborative efforts with my colleagues to keep Illinois on this upward economic trajectory.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after a draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked:

“A woman’s right to choose is just that – a fundamental right that should not be stripped due to antiquated politics or an attempt to disregard the progress we’ve made in the area of human rights. In reading the decision, it is clear that other fundamental rights in this country are in jeopardy so silence in this moment is not an option. Each of us, regardless of your feelings on reproductive rights, should be concerned. This type of activism by judges, to push a culture war driven agenda, should be concerning for us all.”

“Should this long settled law be overturned, women in Illinois can take solace in knowing that Illinois respects their right to choose and that this fundamental right still hold value. As always, I hope other states are looking to Illinois for leadership in this fight for protecting a woman’s right to choose.”

 SPRINGFIELD— County coroners and local medical examiners could potentially receive federal assistance in identifying missing persons after a measure sponsored by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“When you hear pleas from a family for help, we should be using all the tools at our disposal to bring them the support that they need to help find or identify their loved ones,” said Sims. “Unfortunately, some smaller counties and police departments do not have access to the same technology and resources as larger cities, and this bill will help with that.”

Senate Bill 3932 would 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.

The legislation was filed to address the devastating death of Jelani Day, a 25-year-old graduate student at Illinois State University. Day was reported missing on Aug. 24, 2021, discovered on Sept. 4, 2021 and wasn’t identified by the LaSalle County coroner until Sept. 24, 2021.

“Jelani lived a beautiful life,” said Carmen Bolden Day, the ISU graduate student’s mother. “While he was here with us he made a difference and even in his absence he will continue to impact many people. I am so grateful for Senator Sims and this initiative. My son will be remembered and I will not let his name go in vain. ”

Senate Bill 3932 passed the Senate on Wednesday

 SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) moved legislation to establish the Safe 2 Help Program, a hotline designed to receive reports from the public regarding potential self-harm or criminal acts directed at schools, students or school employees.

“Our number one job is to protect our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Sims. “This program was introduced to keep our children and schools safe while providing help to those who are battling mental illness.”

Senate Bill 3936, an initiative of Illinois State Police, would require the agency to work collaboratively with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Children and Family Services to provide support resources to students and teachers to prevent potential crisis situations.

“We cannot wait for another tragic event to happen in our schools,” said Sims. “This is a key step in the intervention process that will not only protect our students from planned attacks but will also help develop police-community relations.”  

Senate Bill 3936 passed the Senate Education Committee and goes before the full Senate for further consideration.