Dear Neighbor,
The last two weeks have been highly productive. I secured passage of several equity-focused bills that will lead to better health outcomes and well-being for many underserved people.
Legislative Updates
Sen. Simmons during Senate floor debate on HB4430
House Bill 4430: Empowering pharmacists to provide HIV testing, PrEP and PEP medications
Last Friday I was proud to pass HB4430 bill details in the Senate. This groundbreaking legislation allows pharmacists to provide HIV prevention and post-exposure medications, helping reduce barriers to lifesaving care.
The bill enables pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order lab tests, and provide consultation for PrEP and PEP medications after completing required training. This will help improve access to care for high-risk communities and reduce new HIV infections.
House Bill 4369: Strengthening Lead Mitigation Procedures
I also secured passage of HB4369 bill details , which strengthens enforcement of lead mitigation requirements by requiring follow-up inspections to ensure remediation is completed.
Sen. Simmons presenting a bill before the Senate Executive Committee
House Bill 4589: Creating a Men’s Health Division in IDPH
I passed HB4589 bill details to create a Men’s Health Division within the Illinois Department of Public Health, focusing on prevention of major diseases affecting men.
House Bill 5016: Expanding educational access for youth in custody
I passed HB5016 bill details , which enables youth in custody to access remote learning programs to complete their education.
Senator Simmons with colleagues advocating for budget priorities
House Bill 5525: Commission on Children of Incarcerated Parents
I partnered with Rep. Delia Ramirez and Cabrini Green Legal Aid to pass HB5525 bill details , which establishes a commission focused on improving outcomes for children of incarcerated parents.
All five bills have cleared both chambers and will now proceed to concurrence before going to the Governor.
Fiscal Year 23 Budget
Sen. Simmons calling for targeted tax relief in FY23 budget
Targeted tax relief proposals (SB2132 and SB3774)
I continue to advocate for a state-level child tax credit and expansion of the earned income tax credit.
Learn more: Economic Security for Illinois
SB4030: Wage parity for home care workers
I am also fighting for wage increases for home care workers through SB4030 bill details .
SB3012: Flood zone property relief
I introduced SB3012 bill details to provide property tax relief for homeowners in flood-prone areas.
Sen. Simmons in the news
- Illinois lawmakers recognize Transgender Day of Visibility
- Senators stand with LGBTQ+ community
- Remote learning for minors in custody
- Senate discussion on Prisoner Review Board
Trans Day of Visibility
We held a historic press conference with Brave Space Alliance founder LaSaia Wade to honor Trans Day of Visibility.
A Tribute to Elise Malary
Elise Malary was a beloved advocate in the LGBTQ+ community whose legacy continues to inspire equity and justice work.
Community updates
COVID-19 vaccine clinic recap
Single Parents Town Hall recap
Thank you to everyone who joined our Single Parents Town Hall discussion.
7th District candid photo
Please contact my office at 773-769-1717 for constituent services.
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
