Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons
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Simmons Fights for RTA Free Transit for Low-Income Individuals

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Category: Press Releases
Thursday, May 15, 2025 02:10 PM

Senator Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons continued his push for a program that would provide free transit for anyone whose income is below 138% of the federal poverty level.

“While public transit fares may appear affordable to some, providing RTA free transit to low-income families and individuals directly benefits single parents and caregivers, people living with a disability, seniors, young people trying to start their career, and survivors of domestic violence,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Although CTA, Metra, and Pace have free and reduced fares, they are limited to seniors and people with disabilities. This bill increases eligibility so more folks can independently access doctor’s visits, mental health appointments, school commutes, provide care for family members, and run every day errands.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 1388, the Regional Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, PACE and Metra would create a program to provide free transit to residents earning under 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $15,650 annually.

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Simmons: Student teaching stipend program is vital to our community

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Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 05:47 PM

Senator Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – To give Illinois student educators more resources and support, State Senator Mike Simmons is supporting legislation to create a student teaching stipend program.

“When we support our educators, we are in turn supporting a successful future for our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By giving student teachers more support they can continue to attend school, afford to put a roof over their head and support themselves.”

House Bill 1375 would establish a stipend program within the Illinois Board of Higher Education to provide students in teacher preparation programs with up to $10,000 per semester for up to two consecutive semesters.

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Simmons Advances Bill to Remove Medical Supply Access Barrier for Patients

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Category: Press Releases
Monday, May 05, 2025 12:02 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – After hearing from constituents who have faced barriers to accessing medical equipment from pharmacies even when they have a prescription, State Senator Mike Simmons is moving legislation to help qualifying individuals access necessary supplies from a pharmacist.

“This bill clarifies that patients who have prescriptions for injectable medications are entitled to also purchase clean needles from a pharmacist,” said Simmons. “Allowing pharmacists to make informed decisions ultimately safeguards public health.”

Currently, pharmacists are allowed to sell up to 100 sterile hypodermic needles or syringes to a person who is at least 18 years old.

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Simmons Bill Encourages Water Conservation and Reuse

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Category: Press Releases
Monday, May 05, 2025 12:02 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading legislation that would allow the use of municipal wastewater for industrial processing, reclaiming it from a variety of sources.

“Utilizing treated wastewater reflects our commitment to sustainable resource management,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This initiative not only conserves water but also supports environmental resilience.”

By reclaiming water from a variety of sources, treating it and reusing it, industrial wastewater could be used for power generation or cooling of data centers. Because this water may have limited contact with humans, it tends to be less costly and less energy intensive to treat and reuse, ultimately saving money and resources for communities.

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More Articles …

  1. Simmons Advances Bill to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety
  2. Simmons: New PrEP HIV prevention initiative supports healthy communities
  3. Simmons bills would ease restrictions on cyclists in Illinois
  4. Simmons bill to remove barriers to housing passes Senate
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Office Info

District Office
1040 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-1717 (Phone)
(773) 945-9979 (Text)

Springfield Office:
Senator 7th District
Stratton Building
Section F, Office G
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8492

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