SPRINGFIELD – Disparities in mental health care and rising suicide rates among Black individuals are multifaceted and deeply concerning issues that warrant comprehensive exploration and action.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure everyone can use rail transportation with peace of mind, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced bipartisan legislation to make rail travel safer for residents in response to a Chicago Transit Authority Yellow Line crash in his district in November of 2023.

“Rail accidents can be prevented if our rail transit systems are regularly implementing federal safety recommendations and keeping those up to date and viewable to the riding public,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I want rail transit riders to feel safe as they commute. As a regular rider of CTA myself, I know how important it is that riders have confidence that the rail system is reliable and will safely and smoothly get them to where they need to be.”

SPRINGFIELD – To secure a border scope of accountability for protecting human rights, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to extend the deadline for filing human rights violations in the workplace and public accommodations.

“Extending the statute of limitations for filing civil rights violations is crucial for violations that are traumatizing,” said Simmons (D–Chicago). “It provides a path to relief for those who have been harmed.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate which will improve access to affordable housing for young people experiencing homelessness, particularly those struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse.

“This bill is directly informed by community partners and constituents who have told us many young people age out of programs and services when they turn 18, putting them in limbo for additional support services until they turn 21,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By lowering the eligibility age to 18, we can help more young people when they need it most, and prevent future housing insecurity and instability.”