Simmons advances package of bills to increase bike and pedestrian safety

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented multiple measures that will increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“As a non-motorist who chooses to bike, walk, and take public transportation almost exclusively, I take the safety and well-being of all who use public streets, roads, and public transportation personally and very seriously,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too many tragic, deadly, and unfortunately avoidable accidents have happened in the last year in the 7th District. These initiatives aim to address them directly.”

Senate Bill 2014 expands safety for cyclists and pedestrians by providing that improvements, such as high-visibility signage, crosswalk upgrades, curb bump outs, barrier-protected bike lanes and bus shelters, are made during routine maintenance to any non-highway state roadways.

Senate Bill 1710 expands the responsibility of any entity that owns a bike trail, requiring them to erect permanent signs along the path warning pedestrians and cyclists of a vehicle crossing at least 250 feet before the crossing.

“When someone chooses to ride their bike or walk as an alternative to motor transportation, or simply wants to get some exercise, they should know they are safe and protected. Children should be able to play safely, and families should be able to ride bikes together with peace of mind,” Simmons said. “It is important everyone is safe when going outside, and these bills are a good first step.”

Both measures passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday and now head to the Senate floor.

Simmons advances multiple measures on public transportation, safety

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented multiple pieces of legislation that will increase vehicle safety and improve CTA disability benefits to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“Transportation plays such an important role in our day-to-day lives. It is an essential service. Agencies responsible for providing services should be held accountable to provide accessible service to people of all abilities, and mitigate risks larger vehicles can pose to the road,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “These bills will not only improve safety in our daily transportation, but will also help decrease the amount of accidents on our roads.”

Senate Bill 1892 provides that CTA, PACE and Metra benefits for people with disabilities will automatically renew unless discontinued by the benefit holder.

Senate Bill 2278  permits local authorities to impose limitations on the weight, height or length of trucks or other commercial vehicles on the highways under their jurisdiction. 

These measures passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday and now head to the Senate floor.

Simmons pushes for cooperative housing development

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented a measure that encourages cooperative housing developments to the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday.

“Too many communities across Illinois are experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing supply,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Cooperative housing provides one piece of the overall supply needed for those who are lower-income and aspire to live in cooperatively owned buildings.”

Senate Bill 1484 creates the Cooperative Housing Fund, which would be used by the Illinois Housing Development Authority to award up to $5,000,000 in grants to organizations developing cooperative housing for residents with an income less than or equal to the median income within the municipality.

This measure will promote cooperative housing, a form of housing where a non-profit entity owns the residential building but its residents are shareholders of the entity. Cooperative housing provides a viable alternative to homeownership for low to middle-income earners who may not be able to buy a home, while adding a key affordable housing option to those who need it. 

Simmons will continue to push for this funding throughout the budget negotiation process.

Simmons speaks on proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual Budget and State of the State addresses Wednesday:

“I am pleased to see that today’s budget proposal recommends funding to address homelessness, expand access to healthcare, early childhood and other investments. 

“However, more funding is still needed to help historically underserved communities grappling with the continuing HIV and AIDS crisis and for Black-led community organizations to help with this issue. 

“In the weeks ahead, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to ask pointed questions during hearings and to negotiate a budget that helps working class families meet their needs, provides more funds towards transportation safety for pedestrians and cyclists, expands access to healthcare for communities who are not well-served by the current healthcare system, and affordable housing. I look forward to continuing to negotiate these measures, which are absolutely necessary to support the people of Illinois.”