Simmons Celebrates Nearly $665,000 in Secretary of State Awards to 7th District Organizations for Adult and Youth Literacy Programming

CHICAGO – Eight organizations in State Senator Mike Simmons’ district will receive $664,968 in grant funding to support their volunteer literacy programs for adults and families.

“People learning English as a second language too often face tremendous obstacles to achieve similar career outcomes as fluent English speakers in this country — and finding time to learn English or save up for classes while settling into a new community can be exceptionally difficult,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This funding will allow 7th District organizations to continue to provide volunteer-led English as a second language and literacy programs, which are transformative to people in our community who may otherwise not be able to afford these classes. I am proud of their incredible work to support members of our community, and am grateful that this grant funding will help keep these programs accessible.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

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Simmons Attends White House States Convening on Child Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In conversation with legislators from across the country, State Senator Mike Simmons was proud to attend the White House States Convening on Child Care on Friday morning, where he highlighted his passage of Illinois’ first permanent child tax credit, advocated for more accessible child care, and discussed the importance of fair compensation for child care workers. 

“I am honored to have been invited back by the Biden-Harris Administration to participate in the White House Convening on Child Care on Friday morning. I was especially proud to share that since last year’s convening, I and my colleagues have passed the first permanent child tax credit in Illinois, legislation that was directly informed by 7th District single moms who participate in my People’s Legislative Council initiative,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). 

Simmons was invited to the White House with other state legislators to discuss how each state is working to make child care more affordable for working families, increase child care provider supply and improve job quality for child care workers. He shared successes from this past legislative session and discussed next steps for further state action on child care. 

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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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