SPRINGFIELD – Senator Elgie Sims proclaimed May 1, 2024 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day– recognizing the significant contributions made by the fraternity, particularly in the areas of service, leadership and community empowerment.

"I am proud to recognize Alpha Phi Alpha for their unwavering dedication to uplifting communities and fostering positive change," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Their commitment to service and excellence serves as a guiding light for us all, and I am honored to proclaim May 1 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in Illinois."

Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for Black men, was founded on Dec. 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Since its inception, the fraternity has been dedicated to the principles of scholarship, manly deeds, and love for all mankind, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals across the country.

Sims, a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha, led Senate Resolution 931 to recognize the fraternity's longstanding commitment to social justice, civil rights, and community service. Through initiatives such as Project Alpha, which aims to educate young men about the importance of responsible fatherhood and healthy lifestyles, and the fraternity's ongoing support for historically Black colleges and universities, Alpha Phi Alpha continues to make a profound impact on society.

“Today we honor the fraternity's legacy of leadership and service while encouraging all citizens to reflect on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service that Alpha Phi Alpha represents,” said Sims.

Senate Resolution 931 was adopted Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – Parents would have better understanding of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in their children under a measure State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. passed through the Senate.

“Providing education on Type 1 diabetes isn’t just a tool – it is a lifeline that can give children guidance toward better self-care and resilience,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Schools have an opportunity to make a difference both in students’ education and their health.”

Students and their families would be more educated on symptoms, intervention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes under a proposal led by Sims. Senate Bill 3473 would require the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Public Health to put together informational resources on the disease and display it on ISBE’s website. Public and charter schools would also hand out the information to parents or guardians when enrolling their child.

Despite more than 300,000 children across the nation having Type 1 diabetes, many kids and their families are unaware for years of their life. It often isn’t until they’re older that they learn their symptoms – like feeling thirsty or losing weight – is due to the underlying cause of diabetes.

“When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, their parents are often left worried and not knowing where to turn,” said Sims. “A one-stop shop that contains education and treatment options will go a long way to help parents navigate the unfamiliar.”

Senate Bill 3473 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is alleviating financial burdens on organizations that help vulnerable populations to ensure access to essential nutrition services by exempting home-delivered meals from sales tax for Medicare and Medicaid recipients

"For many Medicare and Medicaid recipients, home-delivered meals are a lifeline – providing essential nutrition and support," said Sims (D-Chicago). "However, the added burden of sales tax can create financial strain for those already facing economic challenges. Senate Bill 3476 aims to remove this barrier to access, ensuring that vulnerable individuals can receive the nourishment they need without additional financial burden."

Under Senate Bill 3476, home-delivered meals – like from Meals on Wheels – provided to Medicare and Medicaid recipients would be exempt from sales tax when payment is made by an intermediary, such as a Medicare Administrative Contractor, a Managed Care Organization, or a Medicare Advantage Organization, pursuant to government contract.

Home-delivered meals play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to remain independent and healthy in their own homes. By exempting these meals from sales tax, Sims’ measure seeks to promote equitable access to nutrition services and alleviate financial barriers for those most in need.

"Access to nutritious meals is fundamental to overall health and quality of life," said Senator. "By exempting home-delivered meals from sales tax for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, we can ensure that all Illinois residents have access to the support and resources they need to thrive."

Senate Bill 3476 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they wouldn’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a measure led through the Senate by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don’t get fined. We should never penalize victims – no matter how big or small the price.” 

Under Sims’ measure, if a person’s license plate or registration sticker is stolen, they would be able to receive a new one at no cost. Currently, drivers would have to pay either $6 for a new plate, or $20 for a new registration tag if stolen.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, 651 drivers reported their plates stolen over a three-year period.

“There’s no reason someone should have to open up their pocketbook because of someone else’s wrongdoing,” said Sims. “Public safety isn’t just about keeping our communities safe – it’s also about protecting and uplifting victims.”

Senate Bill 3471 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the House for further consideration.