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.  

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a measure co-sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) that preserves reproductive health rights and bodily autonomy for young people, especially young women, in Illinois.

“Today we are removing a systemic barrier to reproductive health care for young people,” Simmons said. “Systemic issues require systemic action, and the measure we passed today is a decisive step forward in ensuring reproductive rights and health equity in Illinois and protecting bodily autonomy consistent with the protections guaranteed by the Roe v. Wade decision.”

SPRINGFIELD – Prioritizing the economic needs of his constituents, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) chose to vote “present” on the energy package that passed the General Assembly Monday, Senate Bill 2408. He released the following statement:

“Climate change is happening live. We are running out of time and need to make big changes by the next decade. I was chief co-sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, much of which is included in the bill passed today.

“However, SB 2408 implements a rate hike on lower-income folks and local businesses that are trying to weather an unrelenting pandemic. Low-income people in my district are already paying a disproportionate amount of their income on utilities. Many residents are falling behind on rent and are behind on their electric bills. I also have concerns with giving more money to Exelon right now when the public’s trust has been abused systemically in recent years by Commonwealth Edison. Therefore, I voted present on what otherwise is a solid step forward for our environment.

“I am happy that our state is now on a path to eventually becoming free of climate-damaging fossil fuels. I look forward to continuing to work with senators and environmental, labor, and consumer groups to accelerate the timeline to get us free of fossil fuels much sooner than 2050, because the science is very clear that we are nearly out of time.”

Click here to watch a video of Senator Simmons' full statement.