Senator Simmons and AIDS Foundation Chicago Urge Investments in HIV Care and Prevention

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by legislators and advocates from the AIDS Foundation Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to rally behind Senate Bill 2814, his budget proposal that would bolster HIV and AIDS services in Illinois amid federal health care cuts.

“I reject any reduced quality of life for a person living with HIV/AIDS,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For the fourth year in a row, I will be fighting for a budget that includes funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.”

Community leaders, health care providers and legislators joined Simmons to call for swift action to protect HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Advocates outlined the need to reinforce HIV/AIDS funding outlined in Senate Bill 2814, including funding for critical outreach to minority populations, supportive housing programs and more.

Read more: Senator Simmons and AIDS Foundation Chicago Urge Investments in HIV Care and Prevention

Loughran Cappel recognizes Autism Awareness Day as April 2

SPRINGFIELD – To promote inclusion and advocate for the well-being of individuals with autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure declaring April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

“Every person with autism brings unique gifts, perspectives and strengths that enrich our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Illinois is standing as a state that chooses acceptance, understanding and belonging.”

The resolution’s purpose is to recognize both the progress and everyday struggle people with autism face. April 2 is also recognized by the United Nations as World Autism Day.

Read more: Loughran Cappel recognizes Autism Awareness Day as April 2

Edly-Allen bill to expand protections for injured correctional officers

SPRINGFIELD – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers experience one of the highest injury rates of any profession - over 254 injuries per 10,000 workers annually, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance legislation to ensure correctional officers and sheriff’s office employees receive the care and stability they deserve after being injured on the job.

“Every day, correctional officers step into environments that most of us will never fully understand,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “When they are injured in the line of duty, they should not have to worry about losing their health care or financial security while they recover.”

Read more: Edly-Allen bill to expand protections for injured correctional officers

Morrison works to keep nicotine out of hands of kids

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation that would regulate the distance between schools or child care centers and establishments where nicotine containing products are sold.

“Increasing the distance between schools, child care centers and facilities and establishments selling nicotine containing products is a key step to keeping these products out of the hands of our children,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Increasing the distance between schools or child care centers and where nicotine-containing products can be sold is an imperative next step to keeping addictive and dangerous products out of the hands of those under the age of 21.”

Read more: Morrison works to keep nicotine out of hands of kids