CHICAGO— The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce is set to receive $1,450,000 in grants to revitalize the local business community, thanks to State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).

The Chamber of Commerce will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Development to enhance and provide additional services to local businesses through its Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The grant is made possible by the state’s historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the death of Thornton Township Supervisor, Frank Zuccarelli:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Frank Zuccarelli, the Thornton Township Supervisor and Committeeperson.”

“A devoted public servant for more than 40 years, Frank’s infectious laugh, smile and commitment to Thornton Township, South Suburban College and the Southland area will be deeply missed.” 

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his family and the Thornton Township family he loved so much. Z-Team-Forever.”

CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. released a joint statement following a deadly shooting incident which occurred late Monday morning near their shared district office:

“Today a violent incident occurred outside of our shared district office in which a security guard’s life was taken, and another guard was shot and wounded, by yet another senseless act of gun violence.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect young women’s reproductive rights and choices, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) advanced the Youth Health and Safety Act.

“We know that most young people alert or involve a parent or older family member in their decision making when something as serious as a pregnancy happens,” Sims said. “In fact, research shows us that the younger someone is, the more likely they are to discuss it with a family member and when they don’t, they have a good reason.”

Under current law, young women, some in troubled family circumstances, must notify an adult family member at least 48 hours before having an abortion. However, Sims and other supporters of the legislation point out that not all family systems are created equal and that youth who come from these circumstances are placed in harm’s way by forcing them into unhealthy conversations.

CHICAGO – As the state prepares to launch the new Back to Business (B2B) small business relief program, Senate Democrats called a joint hearing of the Illinois Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees to give small business owners a platform to provide feedback and direction to program administrators.

“I am proud to lead Democratic efforts in the Senate to ensure needed dollars reach the communities hardest hit by the pandemic,” said State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss, but the losses our small businesses experienced have put a tremendous strain on growing local economies. I will remain committed to helping all small businesses build back better.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) and members of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees will hold a joint hearing Thursday, Aug. 12 at noon to discuss the Back 2 Business small business recovery program. 

“It has remained a top priority of mine to help all small businesses build back better,” said Sims, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “And I’m especially eager to ensure dollars reach the communities hardest hit by the pandemic.”

CHICAGO— For the first time in more than two decades, the state of Illinois has received a bond rating upgrade from Moody’s Investors Service. Following the announcement, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“When budget negotiations first began this Spring, I vowed to move Illinois toward fiscal stability by working with other leaders in taking a responsible approach for a brighter future for all Illinoisans.  Moody’s ratings upgrade coupled with the recent positive economic outlook by Fitch shows that all of the hard work and determination that went into a plan that moves Illinois forward and puts taxpayers first is working. The state of Illinois is headed in a positive direction and I am very proud of our progress.

I looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Governor to continue our collective efforts to improve the state’s financial condition and to ensure fiscal stability and growth for all Illinoisans. Our work continues.”

CHICAGO - Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison:

“No sentence would bring Mr. George Floyd back to his family, but today’s sentence does not go far enough toward holding Derek Chauvin responsible for the trust he’s broken. This tragedy has not only affected the Floyd family, but has affected all of us. And, that’s why we should not be distracted from the fact that there is still more work to do to ensure our system of justice is fair and equitable for everyone.

“In today’s closing statements, Mr. Floyd’s brother said ‘Our family has been given a life sentence. We will never get George back.’ I want to send my warmest regards to the Floyd family, as we know today’s sentence will never fill the void they all must be feeling.