Simmons Passes Legislation to Enhance Water Quality

SPRINGFIELD – Acknowledging that access to clean drinking water is often taken for granted, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to enhance and protect the safety of public drinking water statewide.

“Clean drinking water is a human right, and we need to ensure Illinois’s drinking water is safe and free of harmful chemicals,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The presence of these contaminants requires renewed attention and urgent action.”

Simmons' proactive measure comes in response to the growing recognition of environmental pollutants and their potential health effects. Senate Bill 727 preemptively codifies at the state level the new federal rules issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency on April 10th, 2024 that will set maximum contaminant levels on six Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as PFAs).

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Simmons to Require Severe-Weather Radio Installations in Manufactured Homes

SPRINGFIELD – In direct response to growing concerns surrounding climate change and its impact on extreme weather events, State Senator Mike Simmons is sponsoring legislation that mandates weather radio installations in manufactured homes to prevent insufficient severe-weather alerts in Illinois.

"Those who are most vulnerable to severe weather must have alert systems in place that give them the best chance at remaining safe during a tornado, storm, or any other severe situation," said Simmons (D-Chicago). "With climate change having more adverse effects on our planet, manufactured homes need to be equipped with weather radios and prompt regular maintenance of safety equipment.”

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Simmons Advances Bill to Protect Patients from Predatory Medical Bills

SPRINGFIELD – To protect patients from unnecessary medical bills, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation out of the Senate on Thursday that would prohibit hospitals from billing a patient who cannot pay.

“When folks get hospital bills that don’t make sense and shouldn’t have been billed to begin with, it erodes confidence in the healthcare system writ large and leaves people afraid to seek care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “That is entirely unnecessary and this bill will ensure those folks can get to the doctor without worrying about getting a bunch of bills they cannot afford to pay.”

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Simmons Advances Bill to Create Board to Tackle Health Care Disparities

SPRINGFIELD – Simmons advanced legislation through the Senate, which will create a Health Outcomes Review Board to identify and tackle healthcare disparities.

“The findings of the Health Outcomes Review Board will be vital in developing and targeting policy solutions that can improve health outcomes, improve the quality of life for many, reduce health care costs and save lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable life expectancy gap for African-American and Latine communities, disparities in quality of health insurance coverage for low-income households, or inadequate access to follow up and specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and recommend improvements.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3751, will create the Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will focus on collecting and analyzing de-identified health data, particularly emphasizing demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and languages spoken.

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