Simmons’ New Law Expands Affordable Housing Options for Youth

SPRINGFIELD – A new law from State Senator Mike Simmons, Senate Bill 3297 was signed into law on Friday, and will expand access to affordable housing through the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program for youth experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health or substance abuse.

Simmons’ law lowers the age of eligibility for the Housing is Recovery pilot program from 21 years old to 18 years old.

“This law is directly informed by listening to and responding to the needs and experiences of community members who have told us stories about many young people waiting in limbo for support services until they turn 21,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This effort addresses a specific gap for young people who have been disproportionately affected by the current system.”

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Senator Simmons to Host 4 Events in August: Survivors of Domestic Violence Event, Mobile Office Hours, Virtual Town Hall, and Back to School Bash

Dear Neighbor,

My team and I have been hard at work to bring you four different events in August that I want to make sure you all know about! Below is a quick list of each event, and full details are in the body of this e-blast.

Upcoming events are:

• Wednesday, August 7, 12:30-3:00 pm | Mobile Office Hours in partnership with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) at the Edgewater Library Branch, 6000 N. Broadway
• Thursday, August 8, 6:00-7:00 pm | Resource and Outreach Event for Survivors of Domestic Violence at the Church of Atonement, 5749 N. Kenmore Ave.
• Monday, August 12, 6:00-7:00 pm | Virtual Town Hall via Zoom
• Friday, August 16, 5:00-6:30 pm | Back to School Bash at Senn High School, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

Lastly, The Redefine the Drive project is hosting a Public Open House on Thursday, August 8th from 3:00-7:00 pm at Truman College, and Commissioner Samantha Steele is hosting property tax appeal workshops on August 5 and 12, in Rogers Park and Evanston, respectively. Full details are below. There is a lot happening in the 7th District, I look forward to seeing you at some of these great events in the next few weeks!

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District

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Simmons releases statement in response to Death of Sonya Massey

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to body camera footage of the shooting of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy:

“Sonya Massey – a young, beautiful, Black woman – was stolen from us in yet another reckless and unjust act of violence that took place inside her Springfield home. I mourn for her, for her family, and resolve to continue the uphill battle in fighting for justice for Black lives.

“The reckless conduct of the officer along with his heinous and hateful words continue to destroy trust in our public safety system. It also leaves countless people in Illinois feeling afraid for their lives, unwilling to even reach out to law enforcement for help when they feel unsafe. 

“I stand with the Massey family and the Springfield community as we all mourn another senseless and unjust loss of life. Let us never forget her name as we honor her with our actions now more than ever.”

Simmons Celebrates Signing of the Healthcare Protection Act

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was proud to support historic health care reform, House Bill 5395, which was signed into law on Wednesday.

“The Healthcare Protection Act will make health care more accessible ­for all residents in our state – a fundamental right I have been fighting for since taking office,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This law removes barriers for patients and doctors and ensures that insurance plans are comprehensive and effectively cover the best healthcare procedures.”

Strongly supported by Simmons, the Healthcare Protection Act tackles the issue of “ghost networks,” which arise when provider networks include doctors who aren't accepting new patients, don't accept the patient's insurance or have retired. Further, it extends the ban on unjustifiable insurance rate increases to large group plans in Illinois, ensuring access to affordable care.

Additionally, the new law improves health care accessibility and eliminates unnecessary barriers by banning prior authorization for mental health treatment and mandating the public disclosure of treatments requiring prior authorization.

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