CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. will host a Facebook town hall Tuesday, Oct. 14 to provide updates from the spring legislative session and set expectations for the scheduled fall veto session.

“As a State Senator, I am doing my best work when I am doing the work of the people I represent,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Being transparent and having open dialogue is the best way to achieve that.”

Sims will host a virtual town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 6-7 p.m. on his Facebook account found at www.facebook.com/SenElgieSims17. Sims will discuss legislation passed during the spring, how the federal government’s actions have affected Illinois, and what people can expect during the fall veto session.

Following Sims’ update, he will answer questions from the public. To submit a question ahead of time, click here. If time allows, he will also answer questions left in the chat box.

People with questions can call Sims’ office at 773-933-7715.

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. secured nearly $110 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs

"By investing in our roads, we're creating safer conditions, generating employment opportunities, and strengthening local economies across the region," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Our commitment to upgrading aging infrastructure is already showing results, with lasting benefits for south side residents.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Sims represents will see 12 infrastructure projects totaling nearly $110 million next year. Projects range from fixing cracks on Illinois 17 in Kankakee to improving pavement on Illinois 94 west of MLK Jr. Drive in Chicago.

A full list of projects in the 17^th District can be found here.

CHICAGO – Thursday marks two years since the Pretrial Fairness Act was implemented, leading to a fairer and more just criminal legal system – and in turn, safer communities. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement to highlight the historic legislation: 

“The results speak for themselves: our communities are safer, our justice system is more equitable, and we have proven that safety is achieved through fairness rather than the size of someone's bank account.

“Contrary to the fear-mongering predictions of critics, both violent and property crimes have decreased since we ended cash bail, and the two-year re-arrest rate for individuals released pretrial has improved. Most importantly, it has been transformative in addressing the disproportionate impact of the cash bail system on communities of color and low-income families. For too long, our two-tiered justice system allowed wealth to determine freedom. Today, Illinois operates under the principle that liberty should not depend on one's ability to pay.

“The Pretrial Fairness Act represents what is possible when we choose courage over fear, evidence over rhetoric and justice over the status quo. After two years of implementation, one thing is clear: when we assess risk rather than riches, everyone benefits – survivors, families, defendants, and most importantly, our communities.

“The success of the past two years is the foundation for continued progress toward a more just Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing mistakes can turn into learning opportunities, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. worked across the aisle to lead a new law to allow low-level, first-time weapon offenders to apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card upon completing a diversion program.

“We are taking a balanced approach to recognize people can learn from their past mistakes and deserve a second chance,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Diversion programs acknowledge rehabilitation while ensuring existing safeguards remain firmly in place.”

Under Sims’ law, participants who complete the First Time Weapons Offense Diversion Program cab apply for a FOID card after receiving a court order demonstrating successful program completion – so long as they meet all other existing eligibility requirements. The program will only be for individuals charged with a Class 4 felony – the lowest class felony charge for weapons.

“Many people in diversion programs are young adults who deserve a second chance to move forward,” said Sims. “Pathways to restoration are vital to rebuilding lives and build stronger communities.”  

Senate Bill 1899 was signed into law Friday.