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.”

CHICAGO – Following a successful month-long welcome kit drive with World Relief Chicago, State Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago) delivered the kits to World Relief Chicago’s DuPage location Sunday for distribution to Afghan refugees in West Ridge and Rogers Park.

“I am deeply grateful to the elected officials on the far North Side, World Relief Chicago and to all of the community members who have gathered to support our newest neighbors,” Simmons said. “As the son of a refugee, I am even more grateful for the warm welcome that our community has given to our newest neighbors.”

The kits, which included standard cooking items, household cleaning supplies, and bedroom and bathroom items, were delivered by Simmons to the World Relief Chicago’s DuPage location for distribution to Afghan refugees in West Ridge and Rogers Park. The generous donations will help refugees transition to life in their new homes.

The drive was conducted over the course of October, in partnership with several other far North Side elected officials and World Relief Chicago. To take further action to support Afghan refugees visit worldrelief.org/chicagoland.

 For additional resources, residents can check out the weekly 7th District newsletter at https://www.senatormikesimmons.com/ and reach out to the district office with questions or concerns at 773-769-1717.  

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting parents and Chicago Public School children that will celebrate their resilience and provide resources to support the vaccination campaign in local schools.

“Today, my staff and I kicked-off the #ChildrenCarryOn campaign to highlight the true resilience of the children of the 7th 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 getting vaccinated,” said Simmons. “I look forward to visiting Gale Elementary, Kilmer Elementary, and Goudy Elementary today as we kick off #ChildrenCarryOn and celebrate our 5 - 11 year olds and encourage them to get vaccinated with their families.”

Chicago – Following a successful month-long welcome kit drive with World Relief Chicago, State Senator Mike Simmons (D- Chicago) will be distributing the kits to Afghan refugees alongside other far North Side elected officials from his district office.

“I am deeply grateful to all of the elected officials on the far North Side, World Relief Chicago and to all of the community members who have gathered to support our newest neighbors,” Simmons said. “As the son of a refugee, I am even more grateful for the warm welcome that our community has given to our newest neighbors.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a measure co-sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) that preserves reproductive health rights and bodily autonomy for young people, especially young women, in Illinois.

“Today we are removing a systemic barrier to reproductive health care for young people,” Simmons said. “Systemic issues require systemic action, and the measure we passed today is a decisive step forward in ensuring reproductive rights and health equity in Illinois and protecting bodily autonomy consistent with the protections guaranteed by the Roe v. Wade decision.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) continued his series of legislative people’s councils by inviting single moms from across the 7^th District to his office for a discussion Thursday night.

“I want to reimagine the office of state senator in a way that shares decision making and policy goal-setting with people across the district whose voices have been ignored by decision makers,” Simmons said. “Nearly one out of three households in the 7^th District are headed by single parents. I feel it is critical to create open lines of communication that allow them to articulate their needs and enable me to write legislation that is relevant and that can make a difference in their livelihoods.”

CHICAGO – A new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) requires hospitals and state agencies to gather more data in order to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed LGBTQIA communities, older adults, and people with disabilities in Illinois.

“I see this as the first step to ensuring visibility and justice for historically wronged communities, which is especially important as Illinois recovers from a pandemic that has only aggravated these injustices,” Simmons said. “This is a response to valid concerns about how the COVID-19 pandemic in particular is harming communities that already were very poorly served by the health care system.”