CHICAGO –  State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) calls on Downers Grove District 99 to protect LGBTQ+ youth in their community from hate and censorship by immediately rejecting calls to censor a queer positive book, GENDER QUEER, in the high school library.

“We have seen this play out across the country where right wing extremists have targeted this book for portraying LGBTQ+ youth in a positive light,” said Simmons. “We know firsthand that censorship efforts like this make queer youth feel more alone, and The Centers for Diesease control have reported that LGBTQ youth are more than three times as likely to seriously consider suicide than their peers who identify as straight.” 

Senator Simmons, the first openly LGBTQ senator in the Illinois General Assembly, is committed to ensuring that all schools in Illinois are places of safety, support, and learning for all youth. 

CHICAGO – Following a successful month-long welcome kit drive with World Relief Chicago, State Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago) delivered the kits to World Relief Chicago’s DuPage location Sunday for distribution to Afghan refugees in West Ridge and Rogers Park.

“I am deeply grateful to the elected officials on the far North Side, World Relief Chicago and to all of the community members who have gathered to support our newest neighbors,” Simmons said. “As the son of a refugee, I am even more grateful for the warm welcome that our community has given to our newest neighbors.”

The kits, which included standard cooking items, household cleaning supplies, and bedroom and bathroom items, were delivered by Simmons to the World Relief Chicago’s DuPage location for distribution to Afghan refugees in West Ridge and Rogers Park. The generous donations will help refugees transition to life in their new homes.

The drive was conducted over the course of October, in partnership with several other far North Side elected officials and World Relief Chicago. To take further action to support Afghan refugees visit worldrelief.org/chicagoland.

For additional resources, residents can check out the weekly 7th District newsletter at https://www.senatormikesimmons.com/ and reach out to the district office with questions or concerns at 773-769-1717. 

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting parents and Chicago Public School children that will celebrate their resilience and provide resources to support the vaccination campaign in local schools.

“Today, my staff and I kicked-off the #ChildrenCarryOn campaign to highlight the true resilience of the children of the 7th District,” Simmons said. “These children have made some of the biggest sacrifices with the least reward these last 18 months. We should celebrate them and lift up their courage in getting vaccinated,” said Simmons. “I look forward to visiting Gale Elementary, Kilmer Elementary, and Goudy Elementary today as we kick off #ChildrenCarryOn and celebrate our 5 -11 year olds and encourage them to get vaccinated with their families.” 

 Friday was Vaccine Awareness Day for Chicago Public School students. Over the last few years, children between the ages of 5 and 11 have had to alter their school life, go without seeing friends and not participate in their extra-curricular activities. In addition, many of our children are also coping with the loss of their family members throughout this ruthless pandemic. Senator Simmons’ office has set a goal of getting 1,000 vaccines distributed to students between the ages of 5 and 11 in the district in the next two to three weeks. Senator Simmons visited three vaccine clinics hosted by schools for their students at Gale, Kimer and Goudy elementary schools.

“My office will continue to share resources and fight for more opportunities for vaccines for children ages 5-11,” Simmons said. “I want to give a huge thank you to all of the amazing youth and their families in this district. My office is here to help you find an appointment that works best for you.”

Children who do not attend one of these schools can receive a vaccine by making an appointment at www.Vaccines.gov or calling the local health care provider or pharmacy.

For additional resources, residents can check out the weekly 7th District newsletter at https://www.senatormikesimmons.com/ and reach out to the district office with questions or concerns at 773-769-1717.