SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care to promote healthy hair and self-confidence in our communities.

“Hair plays a crucial role in young people's lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill not only boosts their self-esteem but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence that can positively influence all aspects of their lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – Acknowledging that access to clean drinking water is often taken for granted, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to enhance and protect the safety of public drinking water statewide.

“Clean drinking water is a human right, and we need to ensure Illinois’s drinking water is safe and free of harmful chemicals,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The presence of these contaminants requires renewed attention and urgent action.”

Simmons' proactive measure comes in response to the growing recognition of environmental pollutants and their potential health effects. Senate Bill 727 preemptively codifies at the state level the new federal rules issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency on April 10th, 2024 that will set maximum contaminant levels on six Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as PFAs).

SPRINGFIELD – In direct response to growing concerns surrounding climate change and its impact on extreme weather events, State Senator Mike Simmons is sponsoring legislation that mandates weather radio installations in manufactured homes to prevent insufficient severe-weather alerts in Illinois.

"Those who are most vulnerable to severe weather must have alert systems in place that give them the best chance at remaining safe during a tornado, storm, or any other severe situation," said Simmons (D-Chicago). "With climate change having more adverse effects on our planet, manufactured homes need to be equipped with weather radios and prompt regular maintenance of safety equipment.”

SPRINGFIELD – To protect patients from unnecessary medical bills, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation out of the Senate on Thursday that would 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.”