Senator Simmons Receives Friend of Rogers Park Award, Reflects on 1224 - 1234 W. Loyola and Displacement

Dear Neighbor,

It was a huge honor to recently receive the “Friend of Rogers Park Award” from the Rogers Park Business Alliance in recognition for my commitment to serving Rogers Park. It was a full-circle moment for me as I reflected on my mother Ramona’s long-standing Rogers Park business, Salon Pastiché, which was located at 1226 W. Loyola for 25 years.

A few days later, my staff and I visited Archie’s Cafe and Roman Susan Art Gallery (right next to the former location of my mom’s salon). This is the flatiron and iconic building at 1224 to 1234 W. Loyola next to the Loyola Red Line Station. Loyola University purchased the entire building and plans to demolish it. I hold vivid memories of Kristin and Nathan Abhalter Smith – owners and directors of Roman Susan – and my mom devising a calming color scheme for her salon in this space in 2017. During our visit, I reflected on the years my mother contributed to the vibrancy of Rogers Park serving and befriending people from all walks of life, and building community with Roberta Schmatz, owner of Archie’s Cafe, along with Nathan Abhalter Smith and Kristin at Roman Susan art space. My heart is heavy as Archie’s closes its last week serving the Rogers Park community as they are displaced from the building.

I will continue to stand with the Rogers Park and Edgewater communities in strongly demanding that this historic building at 1224 - 1234 W. Loyola be preserved, and that the residents – many longtime Rogers Park residents – keep their housing and remain in the neighborhood. We must demand better and prevent needless land-grabs in communities like ours that deserve true investment, not displacement. This building and its history are a key part of Rogers Park’s history, and I will continue to fight for its historic preservation as a cultural and economic landmark.

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District

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Simmons’ Bill Signed into Law to Protect Patients from Predatory Medical Bills

SPRINGFIELD – To protect patients from unnecessary medical bills, State Senator Mike Simmons’ bills, Senate Bill 2442 was signed into law on Friday, which will prohibit hospitals from billing a patient who cannot pay.

“When folks get hospital bills that don’t make sense and shouldn’t have been billed to begin with, it erodes confidence in the healthcare system writ large and leaves people afraid to seek care,”said Simmons (D-Chicago). “That is entirely unnecessary and this bill will ensure those folks can get to the doctor without worrying about getting a bunch of bills they cannot afford to pay.”

Senate Bill 2442 prohibits hospitals from directly billing a patient who has a household income at or below the 200% federal poverty line that qualifies them for free care. Last year, Simmons supported the passing of a new law that requires hospitals to proactively screen for and enroll patients in Medicaid, health insurance and financial assistance beginning July 1.

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Simmons Law Requires Culturally Competent Haircare for Youth in Foster Care

SPRINGFIELD – A groundbreaking initiative led by State Senator Mike Simmons to empower caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services was signed into law on Friday.

“Haircare and hair styles are crucial forms of self-expression, identity, and connection to race, culture and ethnicity,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too often, youth in care lose a piece of that while they are in foster care – especially Black children and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare systems.”

Simmons’ new law requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare by June 1, 2025. His law outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training, including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

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Simmons’ Law Provides More Inclusive Language within Illinois Sexual Health Framework

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ legislation to update language and more accurately represent public health with expanded definitions was signed into law on Friday.

“When legislation accurately represents the diverse experiences and needs of individuals, it sends a powerful message that everyone's well-being matters and that seeking health care is a fundamental right, not something to be ashamed of,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This is especially important in the scope of sexual health, where stigma can prevent people from seeking necessary medical attention, leading to adverse health outcomes and perpetuating cycles of misinformation and shame.”

Simmons’ law takes a critical step in de-stigmatizing sexual health by changing language, including updating "sexually transmissible diseases'' to "sexually transmitted infections.” This change reflects a broader perspective that considers both medical and social aspects of these conditions. Additionally, his law will include HPV and mpox within the definition of STIs.

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