Springfield- Youth in Illinois are one step closer to receiving specialized education on mental health resources  after a measure championed by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) passes a key hurdle.

“This measure addresses a critical gap in the support systems that we need to offer our youth to be able to remain emotionally well,” Simmons said. “Our youth have been so resilient during these past few years, but many of the broader issues amplified by the COVID-19  pandemic have put a severe strain on the mental health of our young people. It’s imperative that we prioritize the mental health and well-being of our young people and center the experiences they are voicing and actually living through.” 

Senate Bill 4028 would ensure that the curricula for elementary and secondary schools would be required to include how and where to find mental health resources in the state. The measure helps make students aware of mental health services that are available to them and helps erase the broader stigma behind mental health.

CHICAGO –  State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) wrapped up his campaign last week aimed at getting children across the district he represents vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

“My staff and I set in motion the #ChildrenCarryOn campaign to highlight the true resilience of the children ages 5-11 who live within my 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 being vaccinated superheroes.”

Over the last two 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 children are also coping with the loss of their family members. 

Simmons’ office set a goal of getting over 1,000 vaccines distributed to students between the ages of 5 and 11 in the district over the past two months. He kicked off the campaign on CPS Vaccination Awareness Day on Nov. 12, by visiting three vaccine clinics hosted by schools for their students at Gale, Kilmer, and Goudy elementary schools. On Jan. 28. Simmons hosted a final pediatric vaccine clinic, in collaboration with State Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Alderman Harry Osterman, at the Broadway Armory. Parents and caregivers with multiple children trickled in for appointments eager to become vaccinated. 

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual Budget and State of the State addresses Wednesday, after which State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to see that this budget proposal recommends $70 million in appropriations for the new 9-8-8 hotline crisis response services for our neighbors who are living with chronic mental health challenges. This is one piece of a larger set of systemic changes that must take place soon to address the unprecedented toll on mental health caused in part by the pandemic and by chronic economic injustice and violence.”

Springfield- In an effort to support single working parents, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) initiated a measure that will allow them to claim unpaid time off from work to support their child's needs.

“Single parents deserve the same rights and protections as parents who have partners,” said Simmons. “When I had the opportunity to meet with a group of these parents, many of them talked about the need for time off from work to meet with their children’s teachers or tend to other well-being needs of their kids.”

Springfield- In an effort to remove a barrier to full inclusion for immigrant communities in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is championing a measure that removes the use of “alien” in any Illinois statute when referring to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country.

“As a proud son of a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I am happy to support building community by assisting in removing barriers to access much needed resources,” Simmons said. “I want Illinois to send a clear message that we welcome immigrants and that we are working to eliminate the historic barriers that many of these communities have faced.”

Senate Bill 3865 would remove the use of "alien" in any Illinois statute when referring to people who have mixed statuses and referring to commerce outside of Illinois and the country.  Eliminating references to “alien” in Illinois law would remove a regressive and outdated legal term and symbolize the full inclusion of immigrant communities in Illinois. Similar legislation has recently passed in California and Colorado.

CHICAGO - Following his MLK Day visit to Lakeview Pantry, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) encourages residents to take a stand against food insecurity in their communities by supporting local food pantries.

“Many of our families and neighbors in the 7th district have fallen on hard times, especially these last few years,” Simmons said. “I want to remove the social stigma that prevents us from confronting the issue of food insecurity head on.”

CHICAGO – Starting Jan. 1, schools will be prohibited from discriminating against natural hairstyles traditionally associated with race and ethnicity- including locs, braids, twists and afros - thanks to a law championed by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). 

“No child should ever be singled out for sporting a hairstyle that authentically expresses their heritage and culture,” Simmons said. “These policies only serve to humiliate students of color who choose to dress themselves and wear their hair in a style that honors and respects their heritage and ancestry.”

The Jett Hawkins Act prevents school boards, local school councils, charter schools and non-private schools from creating hairstyle-based dress code requirements. Simmons, who wears his hair in freeform locs, championed the law in support of Jett Hawkins, a 4-year old boy who was sent home from school earlier this year for having braids that violated his school’s dress code.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) honors State Rep. Greg Harris, calling him a legislative powerhouse in the General Assembly, a terrific friend and mentor, and a point of pride for so many in neighborhoods of the 13th House District, and the LGBTQ+ community across the state of Illinois.

“Leader Harris has shown up and done the work for our communities, often without fanfare, and has made history on many occasions both in his legislative work and in blazing a trail as House Majority Leader”, Simmons said. “He has always been a personal inspiration for me, and while I am sad that he will soon retire, I appreciate the keen example he has set for the next generation. Leader Harris has given back so much and I look forward to working with him over the next legislative session to deliver for our constituents back home. His legacy will certainly continue to shape my own career in public service. Thank you, Leader Harris. I am proud to call you my Representative.”