Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

06/06/2026

Today marks the 82nd anniversary of D-Day — a day to honor the brave service members who fought in the battle that led to the end of World War II and reflect on the sacrifice of those who died in combat.

06/05/2026

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter works to support people with dementia and their families. Learn how you can promote brain health, access critical resources and join the fight to end Alzheimer’s: www.alz.org/illinois

06/04/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the 8th Grade Graduating Class of Jane A. Neil Elementary School! 🎓

I had the distinct honor of delivering the keynote address at the Jane A. Neil Elementary School 8th Grade Commencement Ceremony!

My message to the Class of 2026: you are Today's Warriors and Tomorrow's Leaders. The journey that brought you to this stage, through everything that has thrown at you is a testament to your strength, your resilience, and your character.

Class of 2026, high school is next. The 17th District is watching, cheering, and believing in every single one of you. The best is yet to come!

06/04/2026

The justice system must place rehabilitation, not financial gain, at the forefront. House Bill 4235 is a compassionate, common-sense step that will protect incarcerated individuals' access to communications with their loved ones.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4vyRIBv

06/03/2026

📚 Summer is here and that means it's time for the Annual Summer Book Club! 📚

Whether you are 6 or 16, there is no better way to spend your summer than with a great book. Reading keeps your mind sharp, your imagination alive, and your skills strong, so when September comes, you are ready to go.

This summer, I am encouraging every student in the 17th District to pick up a book, dive in, and join our Annual Summer Book Club. It does not matter what you read, fiction, nonfiction, biographies, science, history, mysteries, poetry, what matters is that you read.

Make it a habit. Make it an adventure. Make it your summer.
Here is the challenge: Read as much as you can this summer and track what you finish. Parents, grandparents, and guardians encourage the young readers in your life. Turn off the screens for a little while and turn the pages instead. 📖

Please follow the link below to fill out the google form for recognition.

Google Form Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSex7WfOq7PULOiXzAbEiaqEFjkycji_XJ9roZg_9eB_FrYn8g/viewform

To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Elgie Sims is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation. Fill out the information below by Aug. 14 to receive a prize.

06/01/2026

People who have been exonerated in Illinois would have a clearer path to financial stability and support under House Bill 3663, which I'm proud to have led through the Senate.

The reality is that the justice system has a dark history – but we have an opportunity now to forge a path forward that will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Illinoisans who have experienced the injustice of a wrongful conviction.

People who have been exonerated in Illinois would have a clearer path to financial stability and support under a landmark measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. that has passed the Senate.“For three out of...

06/01/2026

This just in the ILBCF Scholarship Cycle has been extended to June 12, 2026.

This is your opportunity to submit an application to assist your efforts as you seek educational opportunities beyond high school!

Apply today and RISE into your FUTURE!
https://illinoislegislativeblackcaucusfoundation.formstack.com/forms/2026_copy?fbclid=IwY2xjawSKsEtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtdzFiSDJRRXM1clY5UzJoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv4A8IqMAOiizDjbaiKR7G6G5U4DW8AmwmYRVjmU595ofocV8q01TLjk8o-n_aem_YgSdEubFoOS_sd8RS7p0iQ

06/01/2026

⚖️ Pro Bono Legal Clinic — Tuesday, June 30th! ⚖️

Do you have a legal question but don't know where to turn? Help is on the way — and it won't cost you a thing.

I am proud to partner with The Law Offices Of Ted London & Associates to bring a Pro Bono Legal Clinic to the Chatham community. This clinic is dedicated to providing free, confidential legal assistance and expert guidance to anyone who needs it. Whether you have questions about housing, family matters, estate planning, employment, or any other legal concern and our attorneys will be there to help you, one-on-one, at no cost.

Appointments are encouraged — walk-ins are welcome!

📅 Tuesday, June 30, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Shine Bright Community Center | 8560 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619

For more information or to schedule an appointment:
📧 Matthew Pittman: [email protected] | 📞 773-933-7715
📧 Theodore London: [email protected] | 📞 773-721-3333

Everyone deserves access to legal help — regardless of income or circumstance. This is our community taking care of our community.

Spread the word and share this post!

06/01/2026

🗂️ FREE SHRED DAY — Saturday, June 13th! 🗂️

Don't let sensitive documents pile up and put your personal information at risk. Join me, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Carter Temple CME Church, the Center for Better Aging, and the West Chesterfield Community Association Inc. for a FREE Shred Day, where community residents can safely and securely dispose of any documents and paperwork!

This is a free, no-hassle service for our neighbors. Bring your old tax records, bank statements, medical documents, bills, and any paperwork you need to safely destroy, and we'll take care of the rest.

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Carter Temple Parking Lot | 7841 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60619

⚠️ Please note: Documents and paperwork should NOT include staples.

Protect yourself from identity theft. Protect your privacy. Come out Saturday, we've got you covered. See you there! 🙌

06/01/2026

Despite the reality of this federal government, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget reflects the kind of disciplined choices the people we represent expect: preparing for uncertainty, restoring property tax relief and continuing to fund the programs people rely on.

As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I knew we couldn’t sit by while children in our state go hungry because of the cruel actions of the federal administration.

That’s why we worked to make sure this budget not only strengthens vital safety net programs – but also lays a foundation for Illinois to step up where the federal government has stepped away.

A state-level emergency SNAP replacement benefit will strike at the root causes of hunger so people can put food on the table, protecting thousands of vulnerable families from having to make the impossible choice between food and other basic necessities.

From record funding for college financial aid to critical investments to launch the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood, we are continuing to put the children and families of our state first with this budget.

Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 budget:“Despite the reality that the federal government is...