CHICAGO – In response to the invasion of federal immigration enforcement activities in the 7th District, Chicago, and across the state, State Senator Mike Simmons attended the bill signing for HB1312, a new comprehensive immigration and constitutional rights law that will protect Illinois residents’ and ensure safe access to critical public services.

 “The 7th District was forced to step up over the past few months as ICE invaded our neighborhoods, abducted hard-working Americans, and wrought havoc on otherwise peaceful areas,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “People are scared of leaving their homes and forgoing things like court appointments due to fear and intimidation. This law gives everyone, regardless of background or immigration status, the chance to safely access our justice system without threats of detainment or harassment.”

The new law, known as House Bill 1312, will allow Illinois residents to bring civil actions (lawsuits) against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement, including ICE or Border Patrol personnel. Punitive damages may be available when agents engage in certain behavior, including: wearing masks to conceal their faces, refusing to identify themselves, or driving vehicles with hidden or altered license plates.

CHICAGO – This morning, State Senator Mike Smmons, along with CEO Channyn Lynn Parker of Equality Illinois, Alderperson Bennett Lawson, and community members, honored Transgender Day of Remembrance in Andersonville along the rainbow crosswalk, just steps away from a Trans Black Lives Matter mural. He lifted up the LGBTQ+ community, transgender voices, and shed light on ongoing challenges faced by trans individuals while bringing visibility to the work still needed to ensure equity and justice.

“On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I lift up and honor all of the resplendent achievements of trans people all throughout history. We pause to honor the transgender individuals whose lives have been taken from us too soon by violence, hatred and neglect,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Standing on the corner that is named in memory of our sister, Elise Malary, reminds us that her life mattered, and that showing up, taking up space, and fighting for trans rights is more necessary than ever before.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance honors the lives of transgender and gender-expansive people who have been lost to anti-trans violence and reaffirms a commitment to visibility, safety and dignity for all members of the community. Leadership and presence are vital in ensuring this day is not only one of remembrance, but also one of collective action and solidarity.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the recent announcement from the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s confirmation of a 10% reduction in scheduled air traffic controllers at 40 major airports:

“As someone who has spent years fighting to modernize our transportation network as a member of the Senate Transportation committee, and protect the workers who keep Illinois moving, I find it unacceptable that air traffic control is now being jeopardized. A 10% cut in air traffic isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a threat to passenger safety, our economy and the thousands of families who rely on reliable transit to work and live. The employees of FAA deserve paychecks, not empty promises. The Trump Administration must act immediately to end this crony display of power, restore full operations and put the safety and stability of our nation’s airways above partisan games.”

State Senator Mike Simmons is available for further comment.

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SPRINGFIELD – To protect the over one third of all Illinoisans who are renters, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate that bans excessive junk fees and requires lease transparency.

“When a tenant signs a lease, they shouldn’t be surprised by charges included in their rent, especially for things like after-hours service requests, modifying or renewing a lease, or routine maintenance and upkeep of the rental unit. And yet, apartment fees are rising. House Bill 3564 protects renters from 11 excessive fees and ensures the renting process is transparent and fair, while maintaining landlords' access to the most common tenant screening tools,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “HB3564 provides tenants with the right to know what fees they might expect, how much they cost, and how they will be charged on the first page of a lease.”

Under House Bill 3564, landlords and renters would have an outline of which types of fees can be charged to a tenant, how those fees must be disclosed and the manner in which they can be charged. This legislation would require all other fees connected to a tenant’s lease to be disclosed on the first page of the lease agreement along with a description of each fee, including a statement on whether utilities are covered within the rent. Tenants would not be responsible for paying any fee not disclosed within the lease.