Simmons initiative to expand health care access for liver disease screening passes both chambers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ bill expanding coverage for preventative screenings for liver disease advanced out of the House on Monday, May 8.

“Liver disease is a silent killer and leading cause of death in the United States,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will help improve health outcomes for people who are both underinsured and at-risk for liver disease.”

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease, ages 35-65 years old. Those screenings can include high-quality preventative screenings such as liver ultrasounds, liver function tests, and other screenings that can help with early detection and management of liver disease.

According to the CDC, in 2021, 56,585 adults in the U.S. died from liver disease, making it the ninth leading cause of death.

“The best chance at fighting any disease is early detection,” said Simmons. “This bill will prevent avoidable and premature deaths by providing equitable preventive health care, especially for those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.”

Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 1282 will be sent to the governor for final approval.

Simmons advocates for increased bike safety

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons led an initiative to lower the speed limit on highways with designated bicycle lanes to reduce bicycle accidents on roads.

“We want everyone to be safe on the roads,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This means drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.”

House Bill 2131 creates the Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force, which will report a detailed analysis of existing practices around speed limits, reduction of speed limits, steps to eliminate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle fatalities on roads, and the impact of local bicycle and pedestrian plans.

“Cycling infrastructure throughout the state could use improvement, but we also know that speed is a leading factor in vehicular casualties,” said Simmons. “Reducing speed near these designated bicycle lanes helps create more cyclists-friendly communities.”

Senator Simmons has also sponsored Senate transportation bills regarding bike safety. Senate Bill 1710 requires the installation of signage along with bike paths warning pedestrians and cyclists of a vehicle crossing at least 150 feet ahead of an intersection. In addition, Senate Simmons’ Senate Bill 2278 helps plan for complete streets for bikes, pedestrians and public transit riders by providing that local governments will not be required to design, construct, or widen a non-highway state road to accommodate large trucks. 

House Bill 2131 passed with bipartisan support in the Senate.

Simmons advocates for Electric Bike Rebates in subject matter hearing

SPRINGFIELD – To establish a rebate program for e-bike purchases in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons brought forth a bill in a subject matter hearing in the Senate Revenue Committee.

“We must use every resource available to reduce carbon emissions,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Providing incentives for e-bike purchases complements our existing plans to bring one million electric vehicles online across Illinois by 2030. I was proud to represent this important issue in the Revenue hearing.”

Subject matter hearings on revenue matters help inform deliberations as the final Fiscal Year 24 budget is crafted in the coming weeks. 

Senate Bill 2015 expands the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act to include rebates for the purchase of new or used electric bikes. This will encourage the purchase and use of electric bicycles and help reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector within Illinois. The rebates would be targeted for lower-income earners modeled after Colorado’s new program. 

“More people are moving to electric vehicles – cities are replacing diesel bus fleets with electric buses, and motorists are choosing to use public transit and bikes to commute. E-Bikes provide a sustainable and motorized transit option that is quick, efficient, and green,” said Simmons. 

Simmons has also introduced SB1864, ambitious legislation that would accelerate the timeline for bringing online a fully electric bus fleet for the Regional Transit Authority, including the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace transit systems. His e-bike proposal is another proposal that advances improvements in sustainability, accessibility, and equity in our transportation systems. 

“Offering a rebate to Illinois residents for purchasing e-bikes will make this practical, sustainable mode of travel more accessible to those who could not otherwise afford an e-bike. More trips made by e-bike, instead of a motor vehicle, will have a positive impact on individuals, families and the communities in which they live. For these reasons and more, Ride Illinois and the Active Transportation Alliance are proud to voice our support of SB2015,” said Dave Simmons, Executive Director for Ride Illinois. 

Currently forty states define electric bicycles using the three-class system. States using the three-tiered e-bike classification system, such as Illinois, have it so e-bike users are exempt from registration, licensure, or insurance requirements. In states where e-bikes are classified as mopeds or scooters, they usually require licensing and registration. These rebates would encourage more people in Illinois to purchase and use e-bikes, and those without a license in Illinois may still operate an e-bike under the three-class system.  

For more information on the bills Simmons is sponsoring and where they are in the legislative process, visit here. 

Simmons passes bill to strengthen marriage equality in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen marriage equality for same-sex couples looking to get married in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a bill from the Senate on Thursday.

“There have been attacks on same-sex couples and marriages all across the nation, and the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision to repeal Roe v. Wade has raised questions of the court’s intention to undermine Obergefell v. Hodges, which protects same-sex couples’ right to marry,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will protect same-sex marriages in Illinois and help same-sex couples in other states coming to Illinois.”

House Bill 1591 protects same sex marriages in Illinois by repealing the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution Act. This bill provides that same-sex couples can receive a marriage license in Illinois without requiring a signature from an official from their previous state. This will make it easier for same-sex couples who resided in other states to marry in Illinois.

“As the first openly gay senator in Illinois, this initiative was very important to me,” Simmons said. “Love is love, and everyone should have the right to marry whomever they wish.”

House Bill 1591 passed the Senate on Thursday.