SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons has been sworn into the 104th General Assembly. This marks the beginning of Simmons’ third full term in the Illinois Senate. Senator Simmons is a lifelong resident of the 7th Senate District, the first Black person to serve the 7th District, the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Illinois Senate, the first Ethiopian-American to serve in either chamber, and the third openly gay, black state senator in the nation.
“It’s an enormous privilege and honor to represent the 7th District. The district, which includes the far north side of Chicago, remains one of the most diverse in the nation with people from all walks of life living, working, going to school, and recreating in all our neighborhoods,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am humbled to continue in this role during the 104th General Assembly. In my first two terms, my staff and I have put the people we serve at the center of our legislative work and strive to make sure that each generation and every person – whether it be single moms, longtime residents, youth, LGBTQ+ people, returning citizens, people living with disabilities, survivors of gun violence, or seniors – knows they are seen and heard in our legislative work and constituent services.”
Since being sworn in to his first term in 2021, Senator Simmons has authored and sponsored more than 60 bills which are now law, including establishing a permanent child tax credit, passing the Jett Hawkins Act to prohibit discrimination against natural hair styles, protecting Illinois’ drinking water from lead contamination, setting limits on forever chemicals in our water supplies, requiring K-12 schools to provide access to mental health services, bike and pedestrian safety improvements for our roadways, protections for same-sex marriage and reproductive rights in Illinois, and expanded human rights for immigrants, those living with disabilities, youth in foster care, and many more communities.
“In my new term I will continue to focus on introducing, fighting tenaciously for, and passing consequential legislation that matters to everyday people. I will continue delivering excellent and proactive constituent services and making sure 7th District residents feel seen, heard, understood, and helped by my office,” said Simmons. “I will stay focused on passing legislation that increase access to affordable and accessible housing, mental health care, medical coverage, protections for the LGBTQ+ community and reproductive rights, public transportation improvements, gun violence prevention, environmental sustainability, support for our schools, and so much more. I look forward to being an outspoken voice for the 7th District.”
Simmons has represented the 7th District since 2021.
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