Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

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...

05/27/2026

It is always a pleasure to welcome my alma mater, Illinois State University, to the Illinois Capitol.

This time was an extra special experience as I got to welcome Trustee Darren Tillis and Athletic Director Dr. Jeri Beggs and Illinois State University Athletics who brought me a helmet and basketball signed by two of our legendary coaches, Brock Spack and Ryan Pedon.

05/27/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

05/27/2026

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is holding a statewide essay contest for students in grades 6-12. Winners will have their essays displayed at the lieutenant governor’s tent at the Illinois State Fair, as well as the Springfield and Chicago offices. Find essay prompts and apply by May 31 here: ltgov.illinois.gov/il250

05/26/2026

🚨 FREE Community Resource Fair — Thursday, May 28th! 🚨

I am joining Nicor Gas and the Village of Lansing for a FREE Community Connection Resource Fair, and we want to see you there!

Here is what you can expect:

FREE grocery care packages (while supplies last — first come, first served!)
⚡ Energy-saving products, assessments, and home improvement resources
💰 Bill payment assistance options and support
💼 Career opportunities and job programs
🏠 Housing, social services, and basic needs programs from local nonprofits and government agencies
This is a no-cost, no-catch event packed with real resources for real families. Whether you need help with your energy bills, are looking for work, or just want to know what support is available in your community, this fair is for you.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Calvin Coolidge Elementary School | 17845 Henry St., Lansing, IL 60438

Register today at nicorgas.com/lansing and reserve your FREE grocery package or scan the QR Code. See you Thursday!

05/25/2026

Six years have passed since the tragic death of George Floyd, but the fight for racial justice is far from over. Let’s honor his memory by continuing to demand accountability and advocating for meaningful change.