Simmons-supported paid leave for working families measure signed into law

CHICAGO – The Paid Leave for Workers Act that allows employees to take up to 40 hours of paid leave was signed into law Monday, thanks to support from State Senator Mike Simmons.

“In my People’s Legislative Council initiative, single moms from our district told me that they often struggle to get time away from work to attend their kid’s parent teacher conferences, attend sporting events, or get a sick child to the doctor,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It is important all employees in Illinois, especially working single-parents and those with families, have the time they need to handle what is happening at home without worrying about missing a paycheck.”

Senate Bill 208, passed in January in the 102^nd General Assembly, creates the Paid Leave for Workers Act, which provides employees in Illinois with a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave which can be used for any reason within a 12-month period. Employees may use their paid leave starting on the 90th day of employment. Senator Simmons was proud to be a chief-cosponsor of the legislation.

“I am thrilled to see this legislation being signed into law today,” said Simmons. “The Paid Leave for Workers Act will help everyday people balance family time with work.”

The measure corresponds with another proposal Senator Simmons sponsored in the 102nd General Assembly, the Single Parents’ Bill of Rights. That bill would allow employees who are single parents to claim up to 40 hours of unpaid time off of work to care for their child’s needs. With the signing of SB 208, all employees, including single parents, will now have 40 hours of paid time off.      

Senate Bill 208 was signed into law by the governor on Monday, March 13.  

Simmons pushes for legislation to support returning citizens

SPRINGFIELD – To support returning citizens with outstanding fees, State Senator Mike Simmons presented legislation to the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Thursday.

“I am dedicated to serving all 7th District constituents, which includes returning citizens,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “SB2175 provides a returning citizen with the opportunity and time to establish stability in their life and take care of basic human needs, such as finding gainful employment, housing and healthcare before owing fees from prior criminal proceedings.”

Senate Bill 2175 prohibits courts from ordering the payment of outstanding fees, fines, taxes or any costs arising from criminal proceedings for the first year after a person returns from incarceration. Currently, Illinois does not have a law striking fees for a certain amount of days post-confinement. However, under the Unified Code of Corrections, the court may revoke a fine if good cause is shown.

“This legislation will address a cruel cycle where returning citizens are expected to start over, but already have the cards stacked against them. Successful rehabilitation means giving returning citizens practical support as they reintegrate into the community,” Simmons said. “This bill does not erase fees, but rather provides a reasonable amount of time so they can get back on their feet.”

Senate Bill 2175 passed out of the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Thursday.

Simmons advances bill to support schools and increase youth access to mental health care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented legislation to the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee on Wednesday that would increase the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students.

“Young people today are faced with unprecedented mental health challenges exacerbated by social media, toxic stress, and underlying trauma,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation will help guide schools in initiating and establishing mental health infrastructure within schools that currently lack it. This also destigmatizes mental health support for youth, and provides access to mental health care and resources for students in a way that is practical and accessible - at their school, during the school day.” 

Senate Bill 1709 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for mental health care during school days to help increase the access students have to mental health services and information. 

“There is a critical gap in the mental health support systems that we offer our youth,” Simmons said. “This bill will address that gap, provide assistance and make resources more accessible to our state’s schools and students.”

Senate Bill 1709 passed out of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate floor.

Simmons fights for improvements to affordable housing after residents’ deaths

SPRINGFIELD – To improve the quality of life for residents residing in state-funded affordable housing, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“It is a basic human right to live in an environment that is safe, accessible, clean, and provided with proper heating and cooling systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill is directed at State-funded affordable housing facilities, requiring them to provide safe and responsive air conditioning and heating for residents, working laundry machines and other basic maintenance provisions.”

The bill is in response to three residents of a Rogers Park senior living complex who died of suspected heat exhaustion last May. Senate Bill 2013 requires any residential building that is financed under the Illinois Affordable Housing Program to meet minimum standard of living conditions to continue receiving funding from the program.

This legislation would require specific air conditioning and heating provisions to be included in all affordable housing and clarifies language with maintenance, upkeep and laundry. 

“Residents of affordable housing should get the same respect and care afforded to everyone,” Simmons said. “It was a senseless  and unspeakable tragedy for our community to lose three of our beloved seniors last year, and this bill will help ensure safer and more humane housing for countless of our neighbors both in the 7th district and across the state.”

Senate Bill 2013 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the Senate floor.

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