Sims leads legislation to protect state budget from reckless federal cuts

SPRINGFIELD – In response to devastating cuts to essential programs by the federal administration, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a measure to decouple Illinois tax policy from harmful federal changes and protect the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

"While the federal administration carelessly slashes funding for programs that Illinois families depend on, we refuse to let their recklessness blow a hole in our state budget," said Sims (D-Chicago). "This measure is about protecting Illinois taxpayers and ensuring we can continue funding schools, health care and vital services despite the chaos coming from the federal government."

The federal administration's budget cuts threaten to create a $267 million shortfall in Illinois' Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Senate Bill 1911 would recover nearly $250 million of that lost revenue by strategically decoupling from federal tax policy changes that benefit large corporations at the expense of working families and update definitions to align with federal law.

In the spring, Illinois changed its corporate tax treatment of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI). However, in HR1, the federal government renamed this source from GILTI to Net Controlled Foreign Corporation Tested Income (NCTI), meaning Illinois could no longer count on the revenue from this source. Senate Bill 1911 changes the definition from GILTI to NCTI to fall in line with the federal government, therefore allowing Illinois to continue to claim that revenue. Without the definition change, Illinois would not have access to the revenue because the category no longer exists and would be eliminated from revenue receipts because of the renaming.

The other portion of Sims’ measure calls for decoupling from federal bonus depreciation. Federal bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows businesses to deduct a large percentage of the purchase price of eligible business assets in the year they're placed in service, rather than depreciating them gradually over several years.

"This is what protecting working families and Illinois’ economy looks like," said Sims. "Every time the federal government makes irresponsible choices that hurt working people, Illinois stands ready to protect our residents. We're not going to balance our budget on the backs of students, seniors and struggling families.”

Senate Bill 1911 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

Sims: Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance

SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant step forward in criminal justice reform, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a transformative approach to providing second chances while maintaining critical public safety protections.

"The Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By automating the sealing process for eligible records, we're removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that keep people from finding employment, securing housing, and fully reintegrating into their communities. At the same time, we've been deliberate in maintaining strong public safety protections and ensuring law enforcement has the access they need."

House Bill 1836 – also known as the Clean Slate Act – would automate the sealing of criminal records that are already eligible under current law, removing the need for individuals to navigate a complex petition process. Non-conviction records would be automatically sealed, but serious crimes like murder, sex offenses, human trafficking, Class X felonies, violent crimes, DUI and domestic battery are excluded from automatic sealing.

While sealed records won't be available to private background check companies, it is important to point out that law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, the Department of Children and Family Services and state agencies authorized by law would retain full access to these records. The legislation aims to prevent eligible individuals from being held back by records that should already be sealed while maintaining public safety protections.

To ensure successful implementation, the measure also would create the Illinois Clean Slate Task Force to monitor the development of processes for sealing criminal records without petition, create a comprehensive implementation plan, and oversee the execution of the measure’s provisions. 

“The passage of the Clean Slate Act represents years of collaboration among criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement and policymakers committed to balancing redemption with public safety,” said Sims. “This measure reflects Illinois' commitment to evidence-based policy that recognizes the value of second chances while protecting communities.”

House Bill 1836 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the House for further consideration.

Sims calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Food banks across our region are already operating at capacity trying to serve community members. If SNAP benefits stop abruptly, the impact would be devastating," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Families across our community are already facing challenges in their household budgets, as the Trump tariffs continue to drive prices up, and the federal government shutdown only creates enormous new barriers for those who qualify for this essential nutrition assistance."

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including over 63,000 people in the district Sims represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Sims stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention because people being able to at should not be a partisan issue. During this time of increased need, he is encouraging people who can to donate to their local food pantries.

"Every week, food pantries support hundreds of individuals – families forced to choose between housing and food, parents who go hungry to feed their kids, and elderly people on fixed incomes that fall short of covering essentials," Sims said. "Whether you contribute supplies or funds, you're making a real difference in someone's life."

To find a local food pantry, people can visit www.feedingillinois.org/food-banks.

Sims celebrates state’s 10th credit upgrade

SPRINGFIELD – For the 10^th time in less than five years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Moody’s Investors Service – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by state democrats. 

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader – released the following statement:

“The 10^th rating upgrade is yet another sign the years of fiscal discipline and responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able to put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, provide funding for the people who need the most help and pay down the state’s bill backlog – all while dealing with economic uncertainty created by a hostile federal government. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

“Moody’s upgrade shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. A rating upgrade isn’t just something we get to tout – it’s something that saves our taxpayers millions of dollars.”