CHICAGO – Individuals who make calls to police for the sole purpose of harassing people based on their identity will now face potential hate crime charges under a new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago).

“Calling the police as an intimidation tactic against someone because you don’t like or are uncomfortable with their identity should never be an option,” Simmons said. “This practice, which is almost always rooted in racism, is a serious threat to public safety and to the welfare of Black lives, and we need to do all that we can to deter it.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) continued his series of people’s legislative councils Thursday evening by inviting long-term 7^th District residents into his office to discuss the issues that matter to them.

“The long term residents of the 7^th district bring a very important perspective,” Simmons said. “They love this community and want it to remain a diverse place for all residents. It’s important for me to reflect their experiences and center their needs in my legislative work.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) officially banned schools from discriminating against hairstyles historically associated with race or ethnicity with the signing of the Jett Hawkins Act at a ceremony Friday at Uplift Community High School.

“No child should ever have to experience being singled out by their school for sporting a hairstyle that remains true to their heritage, culture or ancestry,” Simmons said. “These policies have no purpose and only serve to disproportionately impact and humiliate students of color who choose to wear their hair in a style that is traditionally non-white.”

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.”