Simmons reflects on a community centered year of service in 2021 and looks forward to 2022

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) celebrates his record of in-district events and community engagement throughout the 7th District during the past year.

“When I first was sworn into the office earlier in this year, I made a commitment to center the experiences of the people of the 7th District in my work as State Senator,” said Simmons. “I want the public policy and legislation that our office carries to come directly from the people of the 7th District, and that type of outreach is really positioning us to do just that going into 2022.”

In 2021, Simmons attended 60 block parties, 270 community events, and also attended 372 general meetings, in-person or over Zoom, with constituents, community groups, and stakeholders. Simmons has also hosted four town halls, and hosted an additional three in partnership with community organizations. Beginning in January 2022, Simmons will be rolling out a series of monthly town halls that will focus on specific issue areas as well as a “Senators of Tomorrow” initiative, which will allow young people to shadow Senator Simmons and his district staff to gain experience and allow them to share their ideas on public policy.

In 2022, Simmons will be introducing more than 20 pieces of legislation that were inspired by one on one meetings with people in the 7th District, his People’s Legislative Councils,  and from meetings with advocacy organizations that are based in the 7th District.

“I want to thank our 7th District residents for everything that you have done in 2021,” said Simmons. “I encourage residents to write letters and to call my district office, because an engaged public is so important in order to keep democracy vital and to keep us accountable in the State Senate.”

For additional resources, residents can check out the 7th District newsletter at https://www.senatormikesimmons.com/ and reach out to the district office with questions or concerns at 773-769-1717.  

Simmons law to ban hairstyle discrimination in schools to take effect Jan. 1

CHICAGO – Starting Jan. 1, schools will be prohibited from discriminating against natural hairstyles traditionally associated with race and ethnicity- including locs, braids, twists and afros - thanks to a law championed  by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). 

“No child should ever be singled out for sporting a hairstyle that authentically expresses their heritage and culture,” Simmons said. “These policies only serve to humiliate students of color who choose to dress themselves and wear their hair in a style that honors and respects their heritage and ancestry.”

The Jett Hawkins Act prevents school boards, local school councils, charter schools and non-private schools from creating hairstyle-based dress code requirements. Simmons, who wears his hair in freeform locs, championed the law in support of Jett Hawkins, a 4-year old boy who was sent home from school earlier this year for having braids that violated his school’s dress code.

“Kids like Jett deserve to express themselves however they see fit and  they shouldn’t have to be restricted by old fashioned and often racist dress codes,” Simmons said. “We need to empower Black children to have the confidence to express themselves naturally, and give them and their families more agency over their personal choices. We still have more work to do, but I’m pleased that beginning in 2022, Black youth in Illinois will be able to wear their hair naturally in all schools.”

Public Act 102-0360, which was signed into law by Gov. JB  Pritzker on Aug. 13,  will take effect Jan. 1, 2022. 

Simmons honors House Majority Leader Greg Harris on the announcement of his retirement

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) honors State Rep. Greg Harris, calling him a legislative powerhouse in the General Assembly, a terrific friend and mentor, and a point of pride for so many in neighborhoods of the 13th House District, and the LGBTQ+ community across the state of Illinois.

“Leader Harris has shown up and done the work for our communities, often without fanfare, and has made history on many occasions both in his legislative work and in blazing a trail as House Majority Leader”, Simmons said. “He has always been a personal inspiration for me, and while I am sad that he will soon retire, I appreciate the keen example he has set for the next generation. Leader Harris has given back so much and I look forward to working with him over the next legislative session to deliver for our constituents back home. His legacy will certainly continue to shape my own career in public service. Thank you, Leader Harris! I am proud to call you my Representative.”

Simmons condemns Proud Boys Led Censorship in Downers Grove

CHICAGO –  State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) calls on Downers Grove District 99 to protect LGBTQ+ youth in their community from hate and censorship by immediately rejecting calls to censor a queer positive book, GENDER QUEER, in the high school library.

“We have seen this play out across the country where right wing extremists have targeted this book for portraying LGBTQ+ youth in a positive light,” said Simmons. “We know firsthand that censorship efforts like this make queer youth feel more alone, and The Centers for Diesease control have reported that LGBTQ youth are more than three times as likely to seriously consider suicide than their peers who identify as straight.” 

Senator Simmons, the first openly LGBTQ senator in the Illinois General Assembly, is committed to ensuring that all schools in Illinois are places of safety, support, and learning for all youth.