CHICAGO – A new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) expands eligibility requirements for the state’s Rental Housing Support Program to higher income levels.

“Many renters in our state are still reeling from the economic effects of COVID-19,” Simmons said. “The harsh reality is that many Illinoisans are burdened by their rent, and the programs we have in place to offer support need to adjust to meet that reality.”

CHICAGO – To build a dialogue with the people he represents in order to better serve them while in Springfield, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is hosting a series of people’s councils over the next several months.

“I want residents of the 7th District to be at the center of my legislative work. These councils will provide a safe space for them to speak about their day to day struggles and work with me to build out a set of people-led policy priorities I can act on in the legislature,” Simmons said. “My goal is to demystify the work of the General Assembly for residents who historically have not had access to government and empower them to see themselves in this work.”

CHICAGO – Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker announced funding for equity-focused health care collaboratives across Illinois. The Chicago North Side Collaborative will help increase health care equity for lower-income and BIPOC residents in the area – particularly in the LGBTQ and Asian American communities.

“This initiative should help provide more 7th District residents with a pathway to specialty care who otherwise have been very poorly served by our healthcare system,” said State Senator Mike Simmons, who represents much of the collaborative’s coverage area. “This collaborative is intended to help ensure more residents get the full scope of care that they need. I look forward to seeing how these partnerships work over the coming months and years to start closing the gaps in access to specialty care for our residents who need much better and more comprehensive treatment than they have received.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons, a Chicago Democrat who is the first openly gay member of the Illinois State Senate, was joined by community leaders, organizations, activists, and advocates to host a Pride Month reflection press conference Friday afternoon.

“This is a very special Pride Month, since it is the first I am celebrating as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Illinois Senate,” Simmons said. “We have had a lot of wins in the fight for LGBTQ+ people, but there is still a lot more urgent and important work that needs to be done. It’s an honor to be here today with all of these amazing advocates and leaders as we continue the fight for justice for LGBTQ+ people and for queer liberation.”