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SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the passage of the FY23 budget and tax relief plan Friday evening:

"We have approved a budget that is balanced, responsible and invests in hardworking families across the state. We’ve constructed the plan to put money back into taxpayers’ pockets, invest in critical public safety measures and support human services.

“As the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, I set a mandate for our budget to solve the pressing economic problems facing low- and middle-income families. Because of our responsible fiscal approach over the past few years, our state has generated the largest surplus in more than two decades.

"I am especially proud of our investments in education, small businesses and public safety.  The budget lays out a major spending plan for crucial public safety initiatives and programs to support the areas ravaged by violence.

"Finally, as the lead sponsor of the Legislative Black Caucus’ SAFE-T Act, I’m proud of the funding allocated in this budget that invests in the tools law enforcement needs to prevent and solve crimes to keep communities safe. Our number one priority as a legislative body is the safety of the communities of which we serve.

"Our plan sets us up for short- and long-term success and I remain committed to economically advancing the state of Illinois."

SPRINGFIELD— To address underreported and unsolved missing persons cases, particularly those involving people of color, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. advanced a measure to streamline the investigative process from the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday. 

“It pains me to hear a mother’s cry on national television begging the public for assistance in finding a child that’s gone missing,” said Sims. “The first step is acknowledging the large disparity that exists in the lack of urgency and coverage.”

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.

CHICAGO— The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce is set to receive $1,450,000 in grants to revitalize the local business community, thanks to State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).

The Chamber of Commerce will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Development to enhance and provide additional services to local businesses through its Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The grant is made possible by the state’s historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

“The key to any building is a strong foundation,” said Sims. “My priority continues to be securing resources for our community and funds to help revitalize the southeast Chicago area is a critical part of this work. These funds will help boost the economy by creating new jobs and business opportunities.”

Projects for fiber optic cable enhancement will repair and improve the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses. The projects were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality and societal impact.

The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state.

For more information on assistance available for small businesses, people can visit DCEO’s website or reach out to Senate Sims’ office at 773-933-7715 or visit www.SenatorElgieSims.com.

CHICAGO — The second trailer bill to the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ SAFE-T Act, championed by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), which addresses police and sentencing reform, the Illinois cash bail system and violence reduction, was signed into law on Friday.

“I am proud of our continued efforts to reimagine public safety in the state of Illinois,” said Sims. “I appreciate the Governor for signing House Bill 3512 and recognizing that there is still more work to do as we work to change the culture of policing.”

The new laws address implementation challenges with body camera footage labeling, detainee phone calls, officer decertification, and officer training. House Bill 3443, the first trailer bill to the SAFE-T Act, focused on issues that had an implementation date of July 1, 2021.

Implementation dates specific to pretrial services, body camera labeling and officer training were extended to Jan. 1, 2022, and Mandatory Supervised Release and the officer decertification process were extended to July 1, 2022.

“With this, we’re not making any major changes to the original SAFE-T Act, instead, we are granting law enforcement personnel additional time to roll out implementation dates,” said Sims. “We want to give law enforcement agencies our full support in ensuring we get this right for the people in our communities.”

House Bill 3512 was signed into law on Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.