Simmons’ Health Outcomes Review Board to Identify and Tackle Health Care Disparities

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Mike Simmons, Illinois is prepared to have a renewed focus on identifying and tackling health care disparities through a newly established Health Outcomes Review Board, which was signed into law on Friday.

Simmons' new law puts us on the path to the creation of an equitable Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will be dedicated to collecting and reporting de-identified health data with a focus on demographic factors like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and languages spoken.

“The Health Outcomes Review Board will be able to identify and address disparities in health care and improve policies for communities that have not been well-served by our health care systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable maternal mortality rates of African American mothers, or inadequate access to specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and provide recommendations for addressing them.”

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Simmons’ Law Extends Deadline to Seek Remedy for Human Rights Violations in the Workplace

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law will extend the deadline for filing human rights violations in the workplace and public accommodations, securing a broader scope of accountability among employers. Senate Bill 3310 was signed into law on Friday.

Under Simmons' new law, the deadline for filing and seeking redress for a civil rights violation in employment and public accommodations will be extended from 300 days to two years.

“Trauma can often take time to process, and individuals may need additional time to gather their thoughts, emotions and evidence before feeling ready to make a formal complaint,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By extending the timeline that someone can file a complaint, folks can feel safer and more supported to report instances of misconduct, abuse or harassment.”

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Simmons’ New Law Expands Affordable Housing Options for Youth

SPRINGFIELD – A new law from State Senator Mike Simmons, Senate Bill 3297 was signed into law on Friday, and will expand access to affordable housing through the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program for youth experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health or substance abuse.

Simmons’ law lowers the age of eligibility for the Housing is Recovery pilot program from 21 years old to 18 years old.

“This law is directly informed by listening to and responding to the needs and experiences of community members who have told us stories about many young people waiting in limbo for support services until they turn 21,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This effort addresses a specific gap for young people who have been disproportionately affected by the current system.”

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Senator Simmons to Host 4 Events in August: Survivors of Domestic Violence Event, Mobile Office Hours, Virtual Town Hall, and Back to School Bash

Dear Neighbor,

My team and I have been hard at work to bring you four different events in August that I want to make sure you all know about! Below is a quick list of each event, and full details are in the body of this e-blast.

Upcoming events are:

• Wednesday, August 7, 12:30-3:00 pm | Mobile Office Hours in partnership with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) at the Edgewater Library Branch, 6000 N. Broadway
• Thursday, August 8, 6:00-7:00 pm | Resource and Outreach Event for Survivors of Domestic Violence at the Church of Atonement, 5749 N. Kenmore Ave.
• Monday, August 12, 6:00-7:00 pm | Virtual Town Hall via Zoom
• Friday, August 16, 5:00-6:30 pm | Back to School Bash at Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

Lastly, The Redefine the Drive project is hosting a Public Open House on Thursday, August 8th from 3:00-7:00 pm at Truman College, and Commissioner Samantha Steele is hosting property tax appeal workshops on August 5 and 12, in Rogers Park and Evanston, respectively. Full details are below. There is a lot happening in the 7th District, I look forward to seeing you at some of these great events in the next few weeks!

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District

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