CHICAGO—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order for a full audit of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs’ (IDVA), health, safety and security procedures in response to one of the residents at the Manteno Veterans’ Home testing positive for Legionnaires’ Disease:

“We have to do all we can to prevent a repeat of what happened in Quincy at the Manteno Veterans’ Home. These men and women have sacrificed so much for the people of this great state and country.

“For that reason, I commend Gov. Pritzker. His swift action is exactly what we need—a fresh start. The lack of transparency in how the last administration handled the Legionnaires’ outbreak in Quincy was despicable. I join the governor in his commitment to treat this situation with the urgency it demands. I just sent a letter to the director of the Manteno Veterans’ Home this week requesting detailed information on how the case of Legionnaires’ disease is being handled and what protocol is being taken.

“We have an obligation to protect our heroes as they have protected us, and this means collecting as much information as possible so we can be transparent with them, their families and the public and take all necessary precautions to protect them from any harm, particularly Legionnaires’ disease.”

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) was sworn into office on Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 101^st General Assembly.

“I am eager to continue working hard for the great people of the 17^th District,” Sims said. “This session I plan to work with my colleagues to address the impact of the budget impasse, grow economic opportunities, provide a quality education to all students, work on criminal justice reform, help prevent gun violence and pass a full, balanced budget. Illinoisans deserve progress, and I stand ready to give it to them.”

SPRINGFIELD —The Council of State of Governments Midwest Leadership Conference, which includes lawmakers of 11 Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces, swore in State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. as chair during the weekend.

“Serving in this role is a tremendous honor as it allows me to represent Illinois while working with and on behalf of my legislative colleagues from across the Midwest and Canada,” said Sims, a Democrat from Chicago.

“This honor would not be possible without the support of the people of Illinois’ 17th District. Each day, I am inspired by them to do more to better serve my constituents and people throughout the state.”

Sims will succeed Indiana State Sen. Ed Charbonneau.

The Midwest Leadership Conference brings together the region’s policymakers to advance efforts that improve state government.

“I take pride in working with CSG. It challenges legislators to move past today’s partisan politics to produce policy outcomes that are in the best interest of the people we represent,” Sims said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to find common ground and advance initiatives to help the people of communities throughout the Midwest and in Canada.”

Sims will host the 74th annual meeting July 21-24, 2019, in downtown Chicago.