Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons

Simmons statement on governor’s proposed budget

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, February 18, 2026 01:01 PM

Senator Mike Simmons Budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor’s joint State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday:

“The governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget is a good starting point for conversation. As always, I will not support any cuts to vital human services and look forward to a final budget that fully protects people across Illinois who are struggling.

“I am encouraged to see $15 million proposed for the continuation of the medical debt relief program I led in the Senate that has already erased $1.1 billion in medical debt for 500,000 households.

Simmons announces small business funding for the 7th District

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, February 11, 2026 02:54 PM

Senator Mike Simmons Innovative Voucher Program Small Business Grants

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons announced two innovative small businesses in the 7^th District were awarded grant funding to support their partnership with Illinois universities.

“We want to support the hard work and tireless efforts of small business owners and the role they play in our community,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “From creating jobs to providing economic mobility, small businesses are the cornerstone of our communities and this funding will help them flourish.”

The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program connects small businesses with the state’s world-class universities and research institutions. Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program enables companies to pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education to support technology validation, accelerate product development and strengthen commercialization pathways.

Simmons Attends Historic Bill Signing for Transit Reform in Illinois

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, December 17, 2025 02:56 PM

Simmons SB2111

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons joined his colleagues Tuesday as Governor Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act into law (SB 2111), which fully funds and reforms public transit in Illinois with $1.5 billion in sustainable revenue. As a life-long public transit user, member of the Senate Transportation Committee, and champion for thousands of constituents who contacted his office advocating for funding of the transit fiscal cliff, this is a momentous victory for the safety, timeliness, cleanliness and overall quality of public transportation in Illinois for generations to come.

“Senate Bill 2111 is the culmination of over 2 years of hard work and successful advocacy from thousands of constituents who wrote and called my office advocating for funding the transit fiscal cliff,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I look forward to maintaining oversight regarding implementation of the bill. We all will have a role to play in making sure this law becomes a reality in a way that truly improves the quality of public transportation in Illinois.”

The new law, Senate Bill 2111, establishes $1.5 billion in sustainable revenue to fully fund and invest in public transit systems, and creates the Northern Illinois Transit Authority – known as NITA – shifting authority from the Regional Transit Authority to the new entity that will oversee CTA, Metra and Pace.

Simmons Attends Bill Signing of HB1312 to Counter ICE and Protect Constitutional Rights

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, December 09, 2025 04:00 PM

SimmonsHB1312

CHICAGO – In response to the invasion of federal immigration enforcement activities in the 7th District, Chicago, and across the state, State Senator Mike Simmons attended the bill signing for HB1312, a new comprehensive immigration and constitutional rights law that will protect Illinois residents’ and ensure safe access to critical public services.

“The 7th District was forced to step up over the past few months as ICE invaded our neighborhoods, abducted hard-working Americans, and wrought havoc on otherwise peaceful areas,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “People are scared of leaving their homes and forgoing things like court appointments due to fear and intimidation. This law gives everyone, regardless of background or immigration status, the chance to safely access our justice system without threats of detainment or harassment.”

The new law, known as House Bill 1312, will allow Illinois residents to bring civil actions (lawsuits) against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement, including ICE or Border Patrol personnel. Punitive damages may be available when agents engage in certain behavior, including: wearing masks to conceal their faces, refusing to identify themselves, or driving vehicles with hidden or altered license plates.

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Sincerely,

Sen. Mike Simmons