Assemblywoman Heather Simmons

06/13/2026

🍅 Jersey tomatoes are looking good this year, and that’s great news for South Jersey.

I visited Veireck Farms in Woolwich Township, Gloucester County, with Joel Vierick to talk about this year’s various crops and the opportunities and challenges facing New Jersey agriculture.

We also discussed how technology is helping farmers improve efficiency, adapt to changing conditions, and stay competitive. 🚜🌱

As Vice Chair of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, I value hearing directly from the people who work the land and bringing their priorities back to Trenton.

06/12/2026

Who Controls Prescription Drug Costs?

In this episode of our State House Minute podcast, I discuss Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), rising prescription drug costs, and why greater transparency is needed in state procurement and our healthcare system.

PBMs play a major role in negotiating drug prices, but too often patients are left facing higher costs, limited access to medications, and decisions driven by corporate interests rather than medical needs.

That’s why I have introduced legislation to strengthen oversight, increase accountability, encourage competition, and give New Jersey stronger tools to monitor PBM practices and protect patients.

At the end of the day, healthcare decisions should put patients first.
Grateful as always to the support of my legislative partners Sen. John Burzichelli, who is moving these bills in the senate, and Asm. Dave Bailey.

Details in the comments.

06/07/2026

“If we are serious about avoiding new taxes, we also have to be serious about generating new revenue the right way."

Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, a Democrat in the 3rd legislative district, has introduced the “Live Within Our Means Act” to freeze state spending and

06/04/2026

Gateway to Careers: The best career advice isn’t found online, it’s found on the job.
That’s what makes Gateway Regional High School’s Gateway to Careers program so special.

Last week, I spoke briefly at the program’s closing breakfast, an event that celebrated a remarkable group of seniors who spent the year gaining real-world experience alongside local employers, mentors and community partners.

Through internships in fields ranging from healthcare and STEM to education, business, engineering and public service, these students stepped beyond the classroom and into the workplace to build skills, confidence and professional connections that will serve them for years to come.

Programs like Gateway to Careers demonstrate the power of connecting education with opportunity. When students can explore careers firsthand before graduation, they are better prepared to make informed decisions about college, training and the workforce.

Congratulations to all of this year’s graduates, and thank you to the employers, mentors and educators who invested their time and talent in helping these students succeed.

06/02/2026

We’ve all been told a procedure would be “quick” or “a little uncomfortable,” only to leave in tears and completely unprepared for the pain.

I introduced new legislation in New Jersey to strengthen pain management standards, informed consent, and patient-provider communication for women enrolled in state-regulated health plans undergoing outpatient gynecological procedures.

Women deserve honesty, options, and dignity when it comes to their healthcare. It’s time we start listening.

06/01/2026

“We grow revenue by growing our economy, not by raising taxes. That is why I support targeted relief for families under pressure and will continue to oppose new taxes that increase their burden.”

Families across New Jersey are feeling the strain. Higher grocery bills, rising healthcare costs, and pressure at the pump are all hitting at once. This

05/28/2026

Innovation. Agriculture. Community. 🌱✈️

The annual Mullica Hill Asparagus Festival celebrates a remarkable piece of New Jersey history, when locally grown asparagus was harvested in Mullica Hill, flown to Massachusetts, and served the very same day in what became the nation’s first air shipment of fresh produce. More than a century later, that spirit of innovation and agriculture still defines South Jersey and the Garden State.🌾

Thank you Mayor Adam Wingate and Committeeman TJ Coakley for hosting me!

05/27/2026

I was honored to be recognized with a Women of Leadership Award from the Gloucester County NAACP at their annual Heels on the Battlefield Women’s Conference, held Thursday evening at the Edelman Fossil Park of Rowan University.

Grateful to share this moment with such remarkable leaders, including Mayor La’Daena Londo of Penns Grove and Dr. Michele Turner-Wood of Turner-Wood Dentistry in Glassboro. Their leadership, service, and commitment to community continue to raise the bar for all of us who serve.

My sincere appreciation to the Gloucester County NAACP and President Loretta Winters for this recognition and for creating a space that uplifts and celebrates women leading change across South Jersey.

05/24/2026

I fought for two years to pass first-of-their-kind menopause laws in New Jersey because women deserve better healthcare, better access and to finally be taken seriously.

Proud to address the Atlantic Regional Osteopathic Conference last week on my groundbreaking laws that are expanding comprehensive menopause coverage through state-regulated plans and Medicaid and enhancing provider continuing education opportunities.

And i’m not done yet. My “Menopause 2.0” agenda is already advancing conversations around testosterone coverage, pain management and the next generation of women’s midlife healthcare policy.

05/19/2026

One of the best parts of this job is bringing state dollars back to South Jersey for projects that directly impact families and communities.

Pilesgrove Mayor Kevin Eachus joined me, Senator John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Dave Bailey yesterday at Marlton Park in Pilesgrove/Woodstown to cut the ribbon on new playground equipment, funded through last year’s state budget. Dave led the charge on this project and it was great to celebrate it together.
The photo says it all. Watching a child immediately climb, play and enjoy this beautiful new space is exactly why these investments matter.

This playground enhancement is one small piece of the millions our legislative team has worked to bring back to the Third District for parks, youth sports, roads and infrastructure, schools, workforce development and healthcare across Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland Counties. Strong South Jersey representation means real results for our communities.