CHICAGO – In an effort to proactively connect with 7th District individuals affected by gun violence and shape future legislation, State Senator Mike Simmons held a People’s Legislative Council on gun violence on Wednesday.
“The purpose of People’s Legislative Councils is to connect with and listen to constituents who have a direct stake in policy decisions, and bring their voice into the legislative process,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We convened 7th District residents who are survivors of gun violence or have lost loved ones to gun violence, and we will lift up their experiences as we advocate for sensible gun laws
Simmons has and will continue to be aggressive on pursuing gun control legislation, and strongly supports a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at the state and federal level. He is a cosponsor of Senate Bill 2510, which would ban assault weapons in Illinois, and was chief cosponsor of House Bill 4383, a bill signed into law in April that requires all guns to be serialized. Simmons is also passionate about the need for federal legislation to crack down on illegal gun trafficking into Illinois.
Past People’s Legislative Councils have been held with several different constituent groups including: single mothers, long-term residents, senior citizens, and high school students. Upcoming People’s Legislative Councils will address rights and resources for people living with disabilities, incarcerated individuals, people who are inadequately served by the health care system, and individuals experiencing homelessness. These legislative councils have directly led to the creation of bills, including one recently signed into law which requires K-12 schools to instruct on how and where to find access to mental health. This legislation, Senate Bill 4028, also creates the Student Mental Health Council, a diverse council of young adults tasked with identifying barriers to youth feeling supported and empowered by the existing mental health system.
“Action is needed at all levels of government to contain the gun violence epidemic and I am a strong supporter of passing sensible gun laws,” Simmons said. “I plan to build on my track record of fighting for and advancing sensible gun legislation while centering the advocacy of my constituents here in the 7th district.”
If residents have questions about the event or would like information about the next People’s Legislative Council meeting, Simmons urges them to contact his office at 773-769-1717.
