Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons
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Simmons legislation promotes workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers

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Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 05:02 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is sponsoring legislation to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers in Illinois.

“We need a plan for Illinois families and childcare providers to be able to find the best employees possible,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By getting feedback from all parties, we can create a comprehensive plan that sets children, families and providers up for success.”

Under the legislation, the existing State Comprehensive Day Care Plan survey of day care facilities would include feedback from groups and individuals with relevant expertise and lived experiences with the goal of promoting workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers.

“We need to hear from the folks directly affected by workforce challenges, and with this legislation, we can bring more people to the table while we continue to address this ongoing problem,” Simmons said. “With the help of communities across the state who are struggling with childcare solutions, we can find better ways Illinois can assist in addressing the employment shortcomings.”

Read more …

Simmons Celebrates Medical Debt Relief for Thousands of Illinois Residents

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Category: Press Releases
Friday, November 15, 2024 10:20 AM

Senator Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced Thursday more than 52,000 Illinois residents have been relieved of their medical debt under the state’s new Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program championed by State Senator Mike Simmons this year.

“I am thrilled that, as a result of The Medical Debt Relief Act, 52,000 Illinoisans have received medical debt relief in October alone,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Medical debt should never place a burden on families who’ve endured a medical crisis. I am proud that we are taking rapid action as a state to wipe out medical debt for families and individuals and support them with a more secure financial future.”

Under the first round of the Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program, 52,745 Illinois residents have had over $72 million worth of medical debt relieved. The program – established through legislation Simmons led this spring – is part of a larger commitment to erase roughly $1 billion in medical debt across Illinois.

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Simmons Receives LGBTQ+ Leader Award from State Treasurer Frerichs

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Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 04:00 PM

Simmons LGBTQ Leader Award 2024 picture

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons was recognized by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with the Illinois LGBTQ+ Leader Award during a celebration Wednesday commemorating LGBTQ+ History Month in Chicago.

“As the first openly gay senator in the state of Illinois and the third openly gay senator in the country, I bring my lived experiences as well as my constituents' with me every day,”said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Since taking office three years ago, I have fought to protect LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois through empowering organizations and taking legislative action to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ folks across the state.”

The event celebrated the societal impact and leadership of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their allies. Treasurer Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the military, medicine, education, advocacy and activism, government, athletics, and fine arts.

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

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Category: Press Releases
Monday, October 07, 2024 10:15 AM

Simmons Literacy Grants 2024 FB

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.

Read more …

More Articles …

  1. Simmons Attends White House States Convening on Child Care
  2. Senator Simmons Receives Friend of Rogers Park Award, Reflects on 1224 - 1234 W. Loyola and Displacement
  3. Simmons’ Bill Signed into Law to Protect Patients from Predatory Medical Bills
  4. Simmons Law Requires Culturally Competent Haircare for Youth in Foster Care
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Welcome

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor and pleasure to represent Illinois’ 7th Senate District. 

Here you can find information about the 7th District, access local and state resources, and keep up to date with what’s happening at the Capitol. I hope you’ll find this website useful.

Please feel free to contact me at either of my offices with questions, concerns or ways I can better serve you.

For scheduling requests, please use the form linked HERE.

To reach our office via text message, send a text to 773-945-9979.

To contact us about issues that matter most to you: CONTACT US

Sincerely,

Sen. Mike Simmons

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District

Request a Meeting or Event

Office Info

District Office
1040 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-1717 (Phone)
(773) 945-9979 (Text)

Springfield Office:
Senator 7th District
Stratton Building
Section F, Office G
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8492

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