Welcome to Illinois State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr.'s Legislative Website

Sims announces funding available to prevent food deserts, support new grocery stores

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“This funding represents a lifeline to make sure families in our state have access to healthy food close to home,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Investing directly in the prevention and elimination of food deserts benefits families, local grocery stores and ensures Illinois continues to address hunger in the face of federal inaction.”

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Sims inducted into Illinois State University Hall of Fame

In recognition of his leadership and career in public service, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was inducted Friday into the Illinois State University College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the scores of trailblazers who represent the Redbird community with pride,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “I look forward to continuing the strong partnership with our state’s public universities to promote educational excellence and academic success in the years ahead.”

The ISU College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame honors current and past members of the ISU Arts and Sciences community. The award recognizes outstanding professional leadership, national or international recognition, outstanding service to the institution and proof that inductees’ work is beneficial to a significant segment of society.

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Sims celebrates Illinois’ 12th consecutive credit upgrade since 2021

For the second time in one week, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major credit rating agencies – announced a credit upgrade Tuesday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

In response, Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today’s news confirms that years of making fiscal discipline our guiding principle are working as intended – we are helping Illinois maintain stability and make smart investments during federal uncertainty that are setting Illinois up for long-term financial success. S&P’s upgrade shows our responsible budgeting approach is paying off and is independent proof that Illinois is an excellent investment.

“When Senate President Harmon asked me to step into my role as budget leader for the Senate Democrats, I vowed to move Illinois forward and put taxpayers first. Since then, we’ve balanced eight budgets, built up our financial reserves and kept our fiscal house in order. We’ll continue our balanced approach, strengthen our fiscal outlook and prioritize every resident, no matter their background, ZIP code or socioeconomic status.”

Sims on state’s 11th credit upgrade: This is fiscal responsibility in action

Senate Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. celebrated Illinois receiving its 11th credit rating upgrade since 2021 as Moody’s Investors Service – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced Illinois’ latest upgrade Wednesday.

“This achievement is yet another signal of the fiscal stewardship of Illinois Democrats – proving that Illinois is an excellent investment under our leadership,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Our fiscal turnaround is a testament to our state’s resilience and our dedication to financial prudence without reducing essential services. This is what fiscal responsibility looks like in action.”

A state’s bond rating is a measure of its credit quality. A higher rating means the state can borrow at a lower rate, saving public dollars from going toward interest costs – benefiting not only taxpayers but also local governments.

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