Simmons Supports Passage of Healthcare Protection Act

SPRINGFIELD – After Illinois legislators passed historic health care reform legislation, House Bill 5395, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“Access to health care is a fundamental right, and costs should never be the reason people forgo care. I've heard too many stories from people in my community who struggle to see a doctor or get the treatment they need because of obstacles like a lack of available doctors who accept their insurance or arbitrarily high insurance costs leaving them with low coverage or no insurance for their health emergencies. These barriers lead to untreated medical conditions and premature death for too many of our family members, neighbors and friends.

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Eliminating Medical Debt for Low-Income Families, Culturally Competent Hair Care for Foster Families and Fighting Mental Health Stigma

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

The Spring 2024 Legislative Session is coming to a close, but I like to think of this time of year as more of a beginning of session when things really ramp up! I have been working around the clock to get dozens of crucial pieces of legislation passed – from medical debt cancellation and affordable healthcare measures, culturally competent hair care for foster children, to transit safety and housing opportunities – I have been fighting for a budget that supports the needs of our district and state.

In this newsletter, you will find a few key updates on the most paramount bills I am working to pass out of the General Assembly this May after months of input from constituents and negotiations with stakeholders, senate colleagues, and house representatives.

Thank you to every constituent who has reached out either by sending me an email, filling out the “Contact Us” form on my website, or calling my district or Springfield office. Your input on legislation and bill ideas have been invaluable as I work to represent you all.

Looking forward to seeing you in and around the 7th District this summer!

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

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Simmons Passes Historic Legislation Modernizing Legislative Printing Rules for General Assembly Members

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an important measure that honors the need for constituents to know more about who represents them in Springfield.

“In 2021, I became the first openly LGBTQ+ person sworn into the Illinois Senate,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It’s important for the district I represent to know that for the first time in the 200-year history of Illinois, they are represented by an LGBTQ+ state senator. I am thrilled to see this bill finally advance.”

Simmons’ measure, Senate Bill 863, modernizes printing rules governing bulk mail sent to constituents to allow General Assembly members to list biographical information. This legislation extends current practices on the General Assembly website to print mail.

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Simmons Unanimously Passes Legislation that will Move Forward Several Road Modifications in High Crash Corridors that Enhance Safety For Pedestrians and Cyclists on Illinois Roads

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize safety and efficiency on Illinois roadways, State Senator Mike Simmons has secured passage of another bill that promotes seamless collaboration between the Illinois Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions in modifying roadways in Chicago and across the state to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and decrease motorists crashes.

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