Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons
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Simmons Leads Bill Requiring Caregivers to Provide Culturally Competent Haircare

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Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, May 01, 2024 09:12 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“This initiative is designed to promote healthy hair and self-confidence and addresses a critical need in our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Haircare is not just about looking good or feeling pretty. Hair is deeply intertwined with cultural identity and self-esteem. For many youth, especially those from diverse backgrounds, finding appropriate haircare while navigating the foster care system can be a challenge.”

Recognizing this challenge, House Bill 5097 requires DCFS to include a Haircare Plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare. Simmons’ measure outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

Building off of Simmons’ work highlighting the important ties between hair and cultural identity with his work in 2021 to pass the Jett Hawkins Law, through this initiative Simmons aims to foster a sense of belonging and confidence among youth in care by establishing a framework that safeguards their cultural connection to hair.

“Hair plays a crucial role in nurturing young people's ties to their race, culture and sense of self,” said Simmons. “I believe that when youth feel proud of their hair and heritage, they are better equipped to navigate the world with confidence and resilience. Caregivers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to offer culturally sensitive hair care.”

House Bill 5097 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further discussion.

Senator Mike Simmons to Hold Subject Matter Hearing on Increase in Suicide Rates in Black Communities Across Illinois

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Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 01:31 PM

Simmons MediaAdvisorySPRINGFIELD – Disparities in mental health care and rising suicide rates among Black individuals are multifaceted and deeply concerning issues that warrant comprehensive exploration and action.

Read more …

Senator Simmons Receives Visionary Leadership Award from Active Transportation Alliance, and Upcoming Community Earth Day Celebrations

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Category: Newsletters
Friday, April 19, 2024 03:31 PM

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

It has been a really busy couple of weeks! In this newsletter edition, I am focusing on sharing updates from our district office, community Earth Day celebrations, events this weekend, and additional community resources.

I am particularly proud to share that a couple of weeks ago I received the Visionary Leadership Award for my work advancing transit and pedestrian safety legislation from Active Transportation Alliance at their Movers and Shakers Ball. Many thanks to Amy Rynell and the entire Active Transportation Alliance team for the honor. Most of all, thank you to everyone who has advocated for safer streets, better public transportation and environmentally responsible transit practices going forward. You can read my interview with Active Transportation Alliance about my passion for creating livable communities here.

I also had a great time meeting with community members at the Buena Park Neighbors Spring community meeting and look forward to being in the district more this summer!

In my next newsletter, you can expect to read about all my legislative updates, from transportation safety and accountability, expanding workers’ rights, to providing greater access to affordable housing and more.

I look forward to attending Earth Day events this weekend– see you there!

Sincerely,

simmons sig

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Read more …

Legislative Updates from Senator Simmons

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Category: News
Friday, April 19, 2024 12:31 PM

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Mike Simmons provides legislative updates from his week in Springfield:

 

More Articles …

  1. In Response to Horrific Yellow Line Crash, Simmons Advances Bill for Safer Passenger Rail Travel
  2. Simmons Champions Worker’s Rights Bill to Extend Deadline to Seek Remedy for Workplace Human Rights Violations
  3. Simmons Increases Access to Affordable Housing for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
  4. Simmons advances bill to update Illinois STI language
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Page 15 of 70

Welcome

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor and pleasure to represent Illinois’ 7th Senate District. 

Here you can find information about the 7th District, access local and state resources, and keep up to date with what’s happening at the Capitol. I hope you’ll find this website useful.

Please feel free to contact me at either of my offices with questions, concerns or ways I can better serve you.

For scheduling requests, please use the form linked HERE.

To reach our office via text message, send a text to 773-945-9979.

To contact us about issues that matter most to you: CONTACT US

Sincerely,

Sen. Mike Simmons

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District

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Office Info

District Office
1040 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-1717 (Phone)
(773) 945-9979 (Text)

Springfield Office:
Senator 7th District
Stratton Building
Section F, Office G
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8492

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