Representative Sims' Weekly Update
"Under the Dome"
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Dear Mary Ellen,
 As we commence the 100th General Assembly, during which Illinois will celebrate the bicentennial of its statehood, it is important that we reflect on how far we have come, realizing how far we still have to go as a state
There is no denying how difficult the last two years have been; the lack of a full budget has exacerbated the gap between wealthy and poor school districts, led to the unraveling of the social services safety network, caused harm to our higher education system and led to Illinois leading the nation in residents choosing to leave our state. Despite these challenges I remain optimistic about the future of our state, mainly because I believe inYOU!!!
My mission as our State Representative remains to improve the quality of life for all residents of the 34th District and those throughout the state of Illinois. I remain committed to improving the quality of our schools, growing our economy and expanding economic opportunities for all, providing for our most vulnerable populations and making our communities safer. I will continue fighting for working families but I need all of us working together to bring about the change we want to see in our state.
I remain humbled and honored to be given the awesome responsibility of being our State Representative, Shivonne, the girls and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued friendship and support.
State Representative Elgie R. Sims, Jr.
8658 South Cottage Grove
Suite 404B
Chicago, IL 60619
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| Sims Continues Fight for Working Families
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing to forward a legislative agenda focused on job creation, improved educational opportunities and outcomes for students and families, improved community safety and community and law enforcement relations and improvements to the quality of life for residents of the 34th district, state Rep. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, was sworn in to continue his work as state representative for Illinois' 34th House district. Sims pledged to keep fighting for working families and continue his work to find budget solutions to meet the critical needs of the people he represents.
"I want to congratulate all of my colleagues on being members of the 100th General Assembly, and I look forward to working with them as we continue our efforts to improve the lives of the people of the state of Illinois," said Sims. "It is time for us to come together and end this protracted budget impasse because it is negatively affecting the lives of working families across our state. I stand ready to work with members on both sides of the aisle and the Governor to solve the needs of working families across this state and to improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans. There is much work to be done and I will continue fighting for working families."
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| Sims Responds to State of the State Address
SPRINGFIELD, Ill -State Rep. Elgie Sims released the following statement after Gov. Bruce Rauner's State of the State address Wednesday:
"The governor outlined one vision for Illinois. The people I represent have many of the same hopes and concerns for our state like good jobs, strong schools and safe communities, but a very different vision as to how to overcome these challenges; that's the vision I'm working to advance in Springfield.
"I agree with the governor Illinois must improve our business climate and create new good paying job opportunities, but I reject the idea that the only way to achieve these goals is to cut middle-class wages and take away protections from workers in order to increase profits for big businesses. The House Democrats' economic reform agenda will create good paying jobs and improve our state's business climate, all without hurting hard-working middle class families. Increasing the minimum wage, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit to help working families keep more of what they earn, and investing in education at all levels are measures we urge the governor to support. We are confident these measures will move Illinois towards a brighter future.
"It is important that we all work together as elected officials to ensure the needs of working families are reflected in our budget and the overall legislative process. People have struggled for far too long and it's time that we put aside our political differences and focus on what's really important by getting Illinois back on track and moving forward.
"...I'm ready for action. Let's put the rhetoric aside and invest in our schools, strengthen the middle class and build up our communities."
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Sims Reappointed Chairman of Illinois House Judiciary -Criminal Committee
SPRINGFIELD, Ill -For the 100th General Assembly, State Rep. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) will continue his focus on making our communities more safe as Chairman of the Illinois House Judiciary- Criminal Committee.
"Making our communities more safe, improving relations between the community and law enforcement and reforming our state's criminal justice system is something I have focused on since joining the Illinois House of Representatives and I am honored to have been reappointed to serve in the leadership capacity," Sims said.
In addition to his leadership of the powerful House Judiciary - Criminal Committee, Sims has been appointed to serve as Vice Chairman of the House Revenue and Finance Committee.
"Getting a full budget, addressing the growing wage gap between the wealthy and poor, facing the challenges impacting working families and growing our economy are all areas we must focus on if we are going to put our state back on track. I am looking forward to engaging in these efforts and helping to move our state forward," Sims said.
Sims has also been appointed to serve on the Energy, Executive and Public Utilities committees.
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Sims hosts Illinois Legislative Black Caucus for "State of the Black Community" Town Hall Forum
"Myself, along with my colleagues in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and our partners at the Cook County Bar Association and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation hosted the "State of Black Community" Forum at Chicago State University.
"During the forum we were able to highlight some of our achievements and outline our future goals, while engaging the community on a legislative agenda going forward. With your help, we stand strong knowing we will be able to accomplish great things for our community." - Rep. Elgie Sims.
For anyone who wants additional information or to ask a question, please forward the request to Larry Larry Luster, Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation at info@ILBCF.org.
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