Simmons advances bill to increase access to equitable health care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation out of the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday that would 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). “We don’t have to accept dismal health outcomes. It’s important to ensure state agencies and health care providers can focus where attention is needed. Identifying care gaps will help us to build a more effective and humane health care system. 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."

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Spring Session Underway, Black History Month Recap and Community Resources

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

As the Spring 2024 legislative session is now underway, this past week in Springfield was fast-paced and energizing. I am continually honored to represent the needs of 7th District constituents in Springfield, and excited to share with you the legislation I am moving through the Senate. Just this week, in direct response to the horrific CTA Yellow Line incident last November, I passed Senate Bill 3451 through the Senate Transportation Committee. Senate Bill 3451 will mandate annual reports from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Regional Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority and Metra detailing federal rail safety recommendations made to them by the National Transportation Safety Board and progress toward implementation.

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Simmons Advances Legislation in Response to CTA Yellow Line Crash

SPRINGFIELD – In response to a horrific November 2023 incident where a Chicago Transit Authority Yellow Line train collided with a snowplow leaving dozens injured, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to implement annual reports containing safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board to prevent similar accidents.

“Passenger rail travel is an essential mode of transportation for Chicago residents,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am committed to making sure our commuter trains are safe by bringing systems up-to-date on a consistent basis, across the board.”

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Simmons to Expand Housing is Recovery Pilot Program

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to increase access to affordable housing for more youth experiencing homelessness who may be struggling with mental health or substance abuse.

“The intersectionality of recurring substance use, mental health struggles and access to affordable housing is very real,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Providing support services to at-risk adolescents as young as age 18 is much needed.”

The Housing is Recovery pilot program offers affordable housing using a bridge rental subsidy combined with access to recovery support services or treatment for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse.

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