CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons joined his colleagues Tuesday as Governor Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act into law (SB 2111), which fully funds and reforms public transit in Illinois with $1.5 billion in sustainable revenue. As a life-long public transit user, member of the Senate Transportation Committee, and champion for thousands of constituents who contacted his office advocating for funding of the transit fiscal cliff, this is a momentous victory for the safety, timeliness, cleanliness and overall quality of public transportation in Illinois for generations to come.

“Senate Bill 2111 is the culmination of over 2 years of hard work and successful advocacy from thousands of constituents who wrote and called my office advocating for funding the transit fiscal cliff,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I look forward to maintaining oversight regarding implementation of the bill.  We all will have a role to play in making sure this law becomes a reality in a way that truly improves the quality of public transportation in Illinois.”

The new law, Senate Bill 2111, establishes $1.5 billion in sustainable revenue to fully fund and invest in public transit systems, and creates the Northern Illinois Transit Authority – known as NITA – shifting authority from the Regional Transit Authority to the new entity that will oversee CTA, Metra and Pace.

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.

###