CHICAGO – Eight organizations in State Senator Mike Simmons’ district will receive $664,968 in grant funding to support their volunteer literacy programs for adults and families.

“People learning English as a second language too often face tremendous obstacles to achieve similar career outcomes as fluent English speakers in this country — and finding time to learn English or save up for classes while settling into a new community can be exceptionally difficult,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This funding will allow 7th District organizations to continue to provide volunteer-led English as a second language and literacy programs, which are transformative to people in our community who may otherwise not be able to afford these classes. I am proud of their incredible work to support members of our community, and am grateful that this grant funding will help keep these programs accessible.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In conversation with legislators from across the country, State Senator Mike Simmons was proud to attend the White House States Convening on Child Care on Friday morning, where he highlighted his passage of Illinois’ first permanent child tax credit, advocated for more accessible child care, and discussed the importance of fair compensation for child care workers. 

“I am honored to have been invited back by the Biden-Harris Administration to participate in the White House Convening on Child Care on Friday morning. I was especially proud to share that since last year’s convening, I and my colleagues have passed the first permanent child tax credit in Illinois, legislation that was directly informed by 7th District single moms who participate in my People’s Legislative Council initiative,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). 

Simmons was invited to the White House with other state legislators to discuss how each state is working to make child care more affordable for working families, increase child care provider supply and improve job quality for child care workers. He shared successes from this past legislative session and discussed next steps for further state action on child care. 

SPRINGFIELD – To protect patients from unnecessary medical bills, State Senator Mike Simmons’ bills, Senate Bill 2442 was signed into law on Friday, which will prohibit hospitals from billing a patient who cannot pay.

“When folks get hospital bills that don’t make sense and shouldn’t have been billed to begin with, it erodes confidence in the healthcare system writ large and leaves people afraid to seek care,”said Simmons (D-Chicago). “That is entirely unnecessary and this bill will ensure those folks can get to the doctor without worrying about getting a bunch of bills they cannot afford to pay.”

Senate Bill 2442 prohibits hospitals from directly billing a patient who has a household income at or below the 200% federal poverty line that qualifies them for free care. Last year, Simmons supported the passing of a new law that requires hospitals to proactively screen for and enroll patients in Medicaid, health insurance and financial assistance beginning July 1.

SPRINGFIELD – A groundbreaking initiative led by State Senator Mike Simmons to empower caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services was signed into law on Friday.

“Haircare and hair styles are crucial forms of self-expression, identity, and connection to race, culture and ethnicity,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too often, youth in care lose a piece of that while they are in foster care – especially Black children and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare systems.”

Simmons’ new law requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare by June 1, 2025. His law 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.