It was an honor to host an appreciation luncheon to thank all of the seniors in the 17th District. They are often the backbones of our families and leading, positive examples within the community. It was only right that we show them how much we care with a good home-style meal from Josephine’s Cooking. This was also a great opportunity to help out this great establishment owned by Mother Josephine Wade. The restaurant was recently a victim of thousands of dollars in copper theft. It was a pleasure to support the restaurant while showing our appreciation for our elders. Thanks to all who came.
As one of the budgeteers, Grow Your Own Teachers (GYO) is one program I fought to fund in the FY19 budget. GYO is now accepting applications for the Chicago area program. It is a teacher pipeline program established to increase teacher diversity in Illinois public schools. GYO provides extensive support for students pursuing a career in teaching, in exchange for a commitment to teach for five years in high-needs public schools.
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Dear Friends,
I’m pleased to share with you that the General Assembly has passed a full, balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2019 ahead of the deadline.
This budget plan makes significant investments in areas needed to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the state of Illinois, particularly those of the 17th District.
Highlights of the FY 19 budget include:
Education is highly prioritized within this budget. The added funding this year will ensure the new Evidence Based Funding formula will operate and level the playing field for students throughout the state.
We also provided funds needed to improve the quality of our institutions of higher education, like Chicago State University. The budget seeks to keep students in Illinois by offering them a new financial aid option, AIM HIGH. This program provides matching grants to public universities for awards to Illinois undergraduate students based on both merit and financial aid criteria.
Many of you have contacted me and raised legitimate concerns about gun violence.
As one of the budgeteers, I kept public safety and alternative strategies to prevent the root causes of violence in my mind as we negotiated this year’s budget. This plan restores funding for youth employment services and youth programming, including Teen REACH.
Jobs and afterschool programs go hand in hand with violence prevention. Providing our young people with constructive activities and employment is crucial to keeping them focused on their futures, off the streets and, most of all, alive.
I’m glad my colleagues and I were able to work together in a bipartisan manner to craft a balanced spending plan that prioritizes the success of our young people in at-risk communities, invests in education and improves the quality of life for citizens across our state.
I hope the governor signs this budget into law, so we can continue on the path to stability and make a difference in the lives of people throughout the 17th District.
Please continue to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have by calling my district office at (773) 933-7715 or via email at:
You can also follow me on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As always, I will continue to fight for what’s best for the people of the 17th Senate District.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely, Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. |
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Chicago Office:
8233 S. Princeton
Chicago, IL 60620
PHONE: 773.933.7715
TEXT: 773.839.4737
Springfield Office:
218 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
PHONE: 217.782.3201
