Simmons Celebrates March 2 as Adwa Day

SPRINGFIELD – As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office to serve in the Illinois Senate, State Senator Mike Simmons proudly rose during session to recognize March 2 as Adwa Day, a national holiday in Ethiopia commemorating the pivotal Battle of Adwa, celebrated by more than 130 million people throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora.

“In Illinois, and indeed in the 7^th District, there is a sizable Ethiopian and Eritrean population,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, and as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office, I am proud to uplift our history and celebrate Adwa Day.”

Adwa Day commemorates the pivotal Battle of Adwa where a militia of more than 100,000 men and women decisively fought off European colonialism on March 2, 1896 in the mountain town of Adwa. Ethiopia holds the place as the only African nation to remain independent and sovereign, never colonized, and officially recognized by global powers throughout the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

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Simmons pushes for language translations on state websites

SPRINGFIELD – To provide translation for the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons is pushing for legislation that would require state websites to engage automatic translation of the website into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in the state.

“Dozens of languages are commonly spoken in Illinois, and especially within the 7th District. Many state programs and resources are simply inaccessible due to language barriers, which in turn disenfranchises entire communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Translating state websites communicates the importance of being able to access information in a person’s native language, and increases the likelihood that people receive the help they need when turning to state resources.”

Simmons’ Senate Bill 1262 would require the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to develop and implement a system that automatically translates websites operated by the state into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in Illinois by Jan. 1, 2026.

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Simmons addresses youth investments, health care needs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement Wednesday after the governor outlined his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Right now our work is direly urgent to ensure people all across Illinois have access to quality health care. We are also at a crossroads in expanding access to quality public transit. We also must reckon and actively take action to address our state’s housing crisis. Today’s budget proposal is a start and I look forward to the weeks ahead in discussions with my colleagues in the Senate and House as we work to ensure these priorities are addressed in the final budget. 

“I am happy to see today’s proposal includes additional funding to the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program that I spearheaded last year, which would erase medical debt for 300,000 Illinois residents. I am committed to fighting for this program and ensuring all communities have access to quality health care as a top priority. 

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Simmons Sworn in as Illinois State Senator at 104th General Assembly Inauguration

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons has been sworn into the 104^th General Assembly. This marks the beginning of Simmons’ third full term in the Illinois Senate. Senator Simmons is a lifelong resident of the 7th Senate District, the first Black person to serve the 7th District, the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Illinois Senate, the first Ethiopian-American to serve in either chamber, and the third openly gay, black state senator in the nation.

“It’s an enormous privilege and honor to represent the 7th District. The district, which includes the far north side of Chicago, remains one of the most diverse in the nation with people from all walks of life living, working, going to school, and recreating in all our neighborhoods,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am humbled to continue in this role during the 104th General Assembly. In my first two terms, my staff and I have put the people we serve at the center of our legislative work and strive to make sure that each generation and every person – whether it be single moms, longtime residents, youth, LGBTQ+ people, returning citizens, people living with disabilities, survivors of gun violence, or seniors – knows they are seen and heard in our legislative work and constituent services.”

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