CHICAGO – In collaboration with Chicago Therapy Collective, the 40th Ward, 48th Ward, and community stakeholders, State Senator Mike Simmons attended an honorary street-naming ceremony commemorating Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue as “Elise Malary Way.”

“Today would have been Elise’s 34th birthday. She was a beautiful, gentle person who fought fiercely for the rights of all Black trans and LGBTQ+ people,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Commemorating her life and legacy will continue beyond today.”

Elise Malary was a dedicated LGBTQ+ activist who left an indelible mark on those around her. She was committed to advocating for Black trans women and other vulnerable members of the community. Elise Malary Way serves as a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion and preserves Malary’s legacy of inspiring future generations to continue advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.

SPRINGFIELD – Access to clean drinking water is often taken for granted. In reality, a number of chemicals and bacteria are tainting water across the state. State Senator Mike Simmons joined members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus who are leading a number of measures to enhance water quality – calling it “the year of water.”

“I am proud to be carrying Senate Bill 727, which will put us on a path to establishing limits on maximum contaminant levels and other toxic chemicals in public drinking water supplies that are known to be hazardous to human health,” said Simmons(D-Chicago). “I am excited to champion this legislation and work with my colleagues who also recognize the importance of protecting our water supplies and waterways for us now and for generations to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation out of the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday that would create a Health Outcomes Review Board to identify and tackle healthcare disparities.

“The findings of the Health Outcomes Review Board will be vital in developing and targeting policy solutions that can improve health outcomes, improve the quality of life for many, reduce health care costs and save lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We don’t have to accept dismal health outcomes. It’s important to ensure state agencies and health care providers can focus where attention is needed. Identifying care gaps will help us to build a more effective and humane health care system. Whether it’s the unacceptable life expectancy gap for African-American and Latine communities, disparities in quality of health insurance coverage for low-income households, or inadequate access to follow up and specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and recommend improvements."

SPRINGFIELD – In response to a horrific November 2023 incident where a Chicago Transit Authority Yellow Line train collided with a snowplow leaving dozens injured, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to implement annual reports containing safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board to prevent similar accidents.

“Passenger rail travel is an essential mode of transportation for Chicago residents,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am committed to making sure our commuter trains are safe by bringing systems up-to-date on a consistent basis, across the board.”