Simmons issues statement on Derek Chauvin verdict

State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on news of the verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial:

“With today’s verdict, Derek Chauvin has been held accountable for the murder of George Floyd. At a basic minimum, this is what we need, and I am relieved to see the verdict. But we must ask ourselves now what justice will look like for George Floyd.

“Justice is broad and systemic, and this verdict tells us that the system must change from the ground up. George Floyd was executed on camera in a matter of minutes. His daughter will never see him again. Derek Chauvin has had many months and more of due process, all while communities across the country anxiously awaited this decision, not at all confident that Chauvin would face consequences even in light of the fact that his crime was caught on film.

“That this was in doubt, that we feel relieved that there will be consequences, speaks to how much the system needs changing. Chauvin is one officer whose misconduct will be punished. This must cease to be the exception, or more Black lives will be routinely taken from us.”

Simmons moves to gather data on how COVID-19 has harmed LGBTQ+ communities

"We can't protect these communities if we refuse to see them."

SPRINGFIELD – To better determine how the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed LGBTQIA+ communities in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of an Illinois Senate committee Thursday that would require state agencies and hospitals to gather more specific data on age, sex, disability status, sexual orientation and gender identity when dealing with COVID-19 patients.

Simmons, the first openly gay member of the Illinois Senate, said visibility is the first step to ensuring justice in how services are delivered to these historically marginalized communities.

“For members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, who already disproportionately face challenges in getting medical care or sadly lack the support of family, COVID-19 has the potential to be even more devastating,” Simmons said. “We can’t protect these communities if we refuse to see them.”

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Equality Illinois have called for the legislation, citing a lack of routine data collection that has prevented an accurate outlook of the coronavirus’ effect on the LGBTQIA+ community in Illinois. Studies have shown members of those communities are more likely to have chronic conditions and other risk factors that can increase vulnerability to COVID-19. As one example of how the pandemic can exacerbate existing challenges, older LGBTQIA+ people already face higher rates of social isolation.

“The effects of COVID-19 will have consequences for years to come,” Simmons said. “As we mobilize our health care system to respond, it is our duty to leave no community behind.”

Senate Bill 2133 passed the Senate Human Rights Committee Thursday and awaits consideration before the full Senate.

Simmons tours Wrigley Field mass vaccination site, vows to bring more shots to the 7th District

CHICAGO – Last week, State Senator Mike Simmons toured the newly opened mass vaccination site located near Wrigley Field, which provides up to 2,000 doses daily to people who live in and around the 7^th District – and vowed to bring more shots to the area.

“Vaccine efforts are ramping up across the state, but it has become apparent that too many people feel that the process of securing an appointment and getting a vaccine is out of reach,” Simmons said. “People within the district I represent are dealing with systemic barriers to accessing health care overall, and vaccine distribution is shining a light on systemic inequities that affect 7th District residents.”

Alongside Congressman Mike Quigley and Representative Margaret Croke, Simmons toured the new mass vaccination site near Wrigley Field located at American Airlines Conference Center at Gallagher Way. Advocate Aurora Health is operating the site, and Simmons says he is in discussions with the group to arrange partnerships that will target more vaccines to those in need across the 7th District.

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Vaccine equity for 7th District residents

Dear Neighbor, 

While vaccination efforts ramp up across the state, not everyone has equal access to a shot. In March I requested COVID-19 data for the 7th District from the Department of Public Health. Upon review it was clear that ZIP codes 60626 and 60659 had the highest COVID-19 infection rates and least access to the vaccine in the district. Those ZIP codes cover Rogers Park and West Ridge, home to many immigrants, non-primary English speakers, and those living without reliable access to quality health care here in the 7^th Senate District. 

To address this systemic inequity,  I organized and hosted two COVID-19 vaccine clinics last Friday, which delivered shots directly to 200 residents of Rogers Park and West Ridge. I want to thank the Howard Brown Health Center, the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, and ONE Northside for partnering with me on this event, and to all the health care workers and volunteers who helped plan and execute both vaccine clinics in the 7th district. 

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