Dear neighbor, 

This week, we return to Springfield to review bills in committee. I have several bills co-written with 7th district residents that will be heard and look forward to asking questions, researching each bill under review, and working to ensure we produce quality bills that benefit real people and can be communicated as such across our district and state. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue protecting your neighbors from COVID-19 by wearing masks and remaining up to date on your vaccinations and booster shots. I would like to share with you a few updates on the state budget, pending legislation, and community resources you or those you love may need.

Gov. JB Pritzker gave his annual Budget and State of the State address last Wednesday:

The proposed budget recommends funding for key areas such mental health, college affordability, and violence reduction – all issues of critical importance to communities across our state.

Here are a few highlights that I thought were particularly important to our district:

•  $70 million for implementation of the new 9-8-8 mental health hotline crisis response call centers. The 9-8-8 line will take calls from individuals experiencing mental health issues and will be a direct line to trained call-takers available to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts so they find the support they need at any time. I see this as one piece of a larger set of systemic changes that must take place soon to address the unprecedented toll on mental health aggravated in part by the pandemic and in other cases by violence and chronic economic injustices. I am looking forward to the development of a clear roadmap for Illinois to address key coordination, capacity, funding, and communication strategies for the launching of 9-8-8.

•  $240 million for violence prevention for proactive community-led public safety strategies as part of the Reimagine Public Safety Act. We are all feeling the effects of violence, and we urgently need to scale up proven, data-driven efforts that help keep us safe. I am also happy to see funding included to implement the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention so that we can coordinate public policy to get guns off our streets and save lives. I will be paying close attention to these efforts and pushing for stronger gun safety laws at every opportunity. 

• A $14.2 million increase for home-delivered meals for our seniors, many of whom in our district live alone and depend on these programs.

• A $54.4 million increase for early childhood education, a crucial investment as we need to find ways to better support our children and ensure they can learn and develop intellectually and emotionally, especially in light of what they’ve had to weather during the prolonged pandemic.

• A $122 million increase to the state’s Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) grant program, which will help thousands of low-income high school seniors across Illinois receive need-based grant assistance to afford to attend Illinois colleges and universities. I know firsthand how pivotal of a resource programs like this are for college affordability for many young people across our district, and I am happy to see this generous increase proposed.

The budget also includes broader relief measures:

• A one-year waiver of license fees for frontline healthcare workers and liquor license fees for bars and restaurants, saving those workers and small businesses approximately $38 million. I firmly believe we need to better support our frontline healthcare professionals, and believe this is a good step in that direction.
• A one-year holiday from sales taxes on groceries beginning July 1, 2022.
• A one-time property tax rebate payment to Illinois homeowners of 5 percent of property taxes paid (up to $300) for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $250,000 (or $500,000 for married filing jointly taxpayers).

I applaud these relief measures, yet feel they should go further. That’s why I have reintroduced SB2132, my legislation that would establish a $600 child tax credit for parents struggling to weather the economic trauma of the pandemic and who have had to navigate so many systemic injustices over the last two years. I am committed to fighting for our parents and being a fervent voice on behalf of 7th District residents who continue to struggle economically with little or no help. I’ve also introduced SB4040, the “Single Parents Bill of Rights” legislation, which would provide 5 days of unpaid time off for single parents who need flexibility from their employers to be there for their children during extra-curricular activities, a parent-teacher conference, or just to have some quiet time for together for an afternoon. I know firsthand how much it meant when my mom could be there for me when I had a report card due or had a competitive athletic meet. I’m happy that this was one of several pieces of legislation co-written with 7th District residents coming out of discussions with single parents from Rogers Park, Arcadia Terrace, Uptown, Edgewater, and Ravenswood as part of our People’s Legislative Councils last summer and fall! I will keep ensuring district residents’ voices and experiences are directly reflected in our overall legislative work. I will also continue pushing for deeper, systemic public policy that can move the needle for constituents.

Legislative  Updates

LGBTQIA Senior Task Force

I am happy to announce that I’ve requested to be added as a chief co-sponsor on Senate Bill 3408, which establishes an LGBTQIA Senior Task Force for seniors across the state of Illinois. I value the input of our senior neighbors and I am excited to continue fighting for our diverse aging populations living within the neighborhoods of Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Uptown, West Ridge, Rogers Park, and Evanston.

CTA Bus Electrification

As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am working with several of my colleagues in urging the Chicago Transit Authority to accelerate its plans to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. Our city and state must reduce our carbon emissions significantly to reduce the negative impact on our state shorelines, air quality, and transportation systems. I care deeply about public transit and want our region to be a leader in moving to a complete electric fleet. I questioned the CTA leadership on their current plans in a Jan. 27 committee hearing and pushed the agency to find ways to accelerate the timeline. As the country's third-largest city and second-largest transportation system, the impact that the CTA will have by expediting their electrification efforts will be significant if done earlier. The CTA’s current complete bus electrification deadline of 2040 needs to be revised, so we plan to continue working with stakeholders who care deeply about the issue, amplifying new technologies and practices, and advocating with them to decrease Illinois’ environmental negative impacts more broadly. 

Sen Simmons’ COVID-19 Resources

It is important that we continue to protect ourselves as well as our neighbors by wearing masks and getting vaccinated. I want to remind residents that Illinois, in partnership with Abbott Health and SHIELD Illinois, is proving 350,000 rapid antigen tests to the Chicago Public Schools. If you are looking to get your student vaccinated, you can find a vaccination site here.

COVID-19 Testing Locations HERE.

Vaccine sites in the 7th District:

Please visit the website linked to each location for more information and call ahead of time to check vaccine availability and to set up appointment times for any vaccines HERE.

Get Free COVID-19 tests at-home

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. You can order your tests HERE.  

Second  #ChildrenCarryOn COVID-19 Pediatric Vaccine Event

Sen. Simmons congratulates a mom and daughter at the #ChildrenCarryOn pediatric vaccine clinic his office hosted with Rep. Cassidy and Ald. Osterman.

Sen Simmons congratulates a young district resident on getting his vaccine!

In support of our #ChildrenCarryoncampaign, my office, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, and Alderman Harry Osterman hosted our second pediatric COVID-19 vaccine event with Genoa Healthcare and Heartland Health Centers. This event was a follow-up event from our Jan. 7 vaccine clinic. All children ages 5-11 were able to receive a first OR second dose vaccine and we had 300 booster doses for adults. It was one of the highlights of my time serving our district to see so many children and families, many of them immigrants, people of color, and lower-income families lining up to get their vaccine. We will continue to support our children and families and lead vaccine equity efforts for the 7th District. Thank you to all the volunteers who showed up in the cold and snow to both clinics to help those getting vaccines feel comfortable and welcome. Special shout out to the Vaccine Brigade! We appreciate YOU!

Vaccine Clinic Tomorrow in Rogers Park

A Just Harvest is offering a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 872-268-7590/ 872-268-7538 and remember to bring your vaccination card.

Sen. Simmons in the news:

• Simmons works for full inclusion by introducing bill to eliminate the use of the word alien in reference to people
• Simmons champions single parents' bill of rights

Sen. Simmons’ Community Events

This Black History Month, join my office and Care For Real in collecting personal care items and especially Black hair care items. Care for Real is a community pantry serving food, clothing, and support throughout Edgewater and Rogers Park to thousands of neighbors each year. Care for Real was one of the first mutual aid organizations that I visited when I was sworn in just one year ago! They have been supporting our neighbors facing food insecurity who often also have challenges obtaining toiletries like deodorant, shampoo, and products specially formulated for Black hair that isn’t covered by SNAP benefits. This month, help stock Care for Real’s shelves to meet this need and donate new, full-sized toiletries until Feb. 28. Here is a list of locally owned Black businesses in my district to support! Drop off your donations to Senator Simmons’ district office located at 5533 N. Broadway or at Care for Real Monday-Saturday from 12-3 p.m. to the rear entrance of 5339 N. Sheridan Rd. Learn more about CFR at careforreal.org or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @cfrchicago. Thank you for joining us in caring for real!

Senator Simmons celebrates the Lunar New Year with the community at Furama Restaurant in Uptown Saturday morning, Feb. 5

Senator Simmons and the team participate in the Lunar New Year parade on Argyle St. in Uptown on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Sunday, Feb. 6 marked my one-year anniversary as your state Senator. It was an honor to spend my Saturday afternoon in Uptown, one of the many amazingly diverse communities within our district, participating in the Lunar New Year parade and celebrating in solidarity with the Chinese Mutual Aid Association and a wonderfully diverse crowd of parade goers and others celebrating. The Chinese Mutual Aid Association serves immigrants, refugees, and people from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.

Sen. Simmons’ Resources for Constituents:

Resources on Racial Equity

There is no room for discrimination in my district or across the state of Illinois. We must advance our learning to advance our journey of being better neighbors. I know the pursuit of racial healing and racial equity calls for more than one conversation. I would like to connect you to a resource to help you plan your first, second or even your 10th conversation. The Illinois Department of Human Services has curated this list of resources to help shape healthy dialogue across Illinois. Visit these resources in any particular order HERE. Explore community resources from the City of Chicago for racial equity advancement HERE.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice is offering virtual training to learn about how you can combat hate and harassment. To learn more and see additional dates, please visit:www.advancingjustice-chicago.org/antihate

• Wednesday, Feb.16, 12:30 p.m.CST:Register here
• Thursday, Feb. 24, 5:00 p.m. CST:Register here.

On Feb. 8 the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing will be offering a webinar on the topic of Housing, Know Your  Rights. If you or your neighbor are curious about how to erase evictions or need housing support, visit their website here. This is a  free, virtual, legal clinic where the Lawyers Committee for Better Housing will help tenants with sealing old eviction filings. The event is listed here, space is limited and tenants need to register in advance. This event is for eviction sealing ONLY.

Charitable Trust has a system of grants that are available to help small nonprofits across Illinois. Grant applications are open until March 31. in three categories: Food Programs, Housing Programs, and Workforce and Economic Development. More information can be found in  the links below.

• Charitable Trust Grant
• Charitable Choice Resource

If you would like to stay up-to-date with daily updates, Follow Senator Simmons! 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 if we can help you with anything.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons

State Senator | 7th District 

Dear neighbor,

To address the need for more testing and vaccines in our schools, I want to remind residents that Illinois, in partnership with Abbott Health and SHIELD Illinois, is providing 350,000 rapid antigen tests to the Chicago Public Schools. The best way to protect yourself is to wear your mask and get the vaccine. If you are looking to get your student vaccinated, you can find a vaccination site here. 

Sen Simmons’ Covid-19 Resources

KN95 Masks available:

•   40th Ward Office, only by request: 2 per person:

      1. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PICK UP A MASK AT THE WARD OFFICE: Choose a time slot to pick up your mask from the office.

     2. IF YOU ARE A SENIOR OR DISABLED AND WOULD PREFER A MASK BE DELIVERED TO YOU:  DO NOT choose a time slot-- indicate this need below in the 'Further info' field and we will be in touch with you separately to coordinate a drop-off:

     3. IF YOU NEED TO VERIFY 40th WARD RESIDENCY: click on the link as we will be checking proof of residency upon distributing.

• 48th Ward Office (5533 N. Broadway), M-F while supplies last, 1 per person

COVID-19 Testing Locations HERE.

Vaccine sites in the 7th District:
Please visit the website linked to each location for more information and call ahead of time to check vaccine availability and to set up appointment times for any vaccines HERE.

Get Free COVID-19 tests at-home:
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. You can order your tests HERE.

Second Pediatric Vaccine Clinic and Boosters Today!

Today at the Broadway Armory at 3 p.m., my office, State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, and Alderman Harry Osterman are hosting our second pediatric COVID-19 vaccine event in partnership with Genoa HealthCare and Heartland Health Centers. This event is the follow-up from our Jan. 7. clinic. You can make an appointment HERE. If slots are full, call my office to make an appointment.

Sen. Simmons’ Community Events

Thank you to the Vietnamese American Association of Chicago for inviting me to join you all as you celebrate your 45th year in facilitating service to thousands of Vietnamese Americans and other ethnic communities. As a proud son of a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I am happy to support building community by assisting in removing barriers to access much-needed resources. Happy Lunar New Year to all!

Senators of Tomorrow!

 My office is excited to announce Senators of Tomorrow! We are inviting young people ages 9 - 18 to our office to learn about what the local government can do for them and for the community. Youth have the opportunity to learn how local government works and to advise on public policy issues including transportation, public safety, and more. You can Sign-up HERE!

Restoring Voting Rights for Incarcerated Citizens

Incarcerated citizens are not able to vote, but they are counted as a part of the population for the legislative district of their documented residential addresses. Restoring the right to vote for this population can help spur them on a path to becoming civically active and better prepared to successfully re-enter their communities. Stripping those who are incarcerated of the right to vote denies a fundamental democratic right and compounds the ill effects of mass incarceration. We have the opportunity to catalyze criminal justice reform. Please consider attending the upcoming community town hall below.

On Monday, Jan. 31 at 6:00 p.m., join my office and Rep. Lashawn Ford for a community town hall on Senate Bill 828: Voting in Prison. Register HERE.

Sen. Simmons in the news:

•   Illinois schools no longer able to ban hairstyles associated with race or ethnicity
•   Simmons encourages mutual aid to fight food insecurity

Sen. Simmons’ Resources for Constituents:

Rental Assistance Program
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services has extended the application deadline for its Rental Assistance Program and will continue to accept applications through Jan. 31. The program provides support to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless through eviction or who may become homeless soon due to loss of income or other eligible emergencies that may prevent them from paying rent. You are eligible for the program if:

• You live in the city of Chicago.
• You are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or another emergency.
• You economically classify as a low-income household.
• Your landlord completes the program requirements.

Those interested can apply for the program online or call 311 to reach the homeless prevention center.

Resources on Racial Equity

The pursuit of racial healing and racial equity calls for more than one conversation. To help you plan your first, second or even your 10th conversation, the Illinois Department of Human Services has curated this list of resources to help shape healthy dialogue across Illinois. Visit these resources in any particular order HERE.

Mental Health First Responder Program

Rogers Park-based Trilogy rolled out its mental health emergency responder program this month. The First-response Alternative Crisis Team, or FACT, is part of a statewide program providing alternatives to calling 911 for those experiencing mental health issues.Trilogy’s team has set up its own crisis hotline people can call and request first responders trained in mental health services. The program responds to calls in Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown and West Ridge, as well as Evanston and Skokie.

The first responder service is available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. It will be scaled up to 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily, and then to 24/7 by the summer as Trilogy works to hire more mental health specialists.

The crisis response program can be reached at 800-FACT-400 (800-322-8400).

Asian Americans Advancing Justice is offering virtual training to learn about how you can combat hate and harassment. To learn more and see additional dates, please visit:www.advancingjustice-chicago.org/antihate

• Monday, Feb. 7, 10:00 a.m. : Register here
• Wednesday, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m.: Register here
• Thursday, Feb. 24, 5:00 p.m.: Register here

The Emergency Heating Repair Program provides qualified homeowners with a one-time grant to repair or replace their furnaces or boiler heating systems. The grants are available to owner-occupants of one-to-four unit residential buildings. Learn more about the program and eligibility on the DOH website link.

Charitable Trust has a system of grants that are available to help small nonprofits across Illinois. More information can be found in the links below.

•   Charitable Trust Grant
•  Charitable Choice Resource

If you would like to stay up-to-date with daily updates, follow Senator Simmons!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 if we can help you with anything.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons

State Senator | 7th District

Dear neighbor,

To address the need for more testing and vaccines in our schools, the State of Illinois in partnership with Abbott Health and SHIELD Illinois, is providing 350,000 rapid antigen tests to the Chicago Public Schools. The best way to protect yourself is to wear your mask and get the vaccine. If you are looking to get your student vaccinated, you can find a vaccination site here. 

This is a longer newsletter, but I wanted to make sure that you have access to all the resources and relief programs available.

In this newsletter, you will find:

• COVID-19 Toolkit to get tested and vaccinated in the 7th District
• Upcoming Events
• Sen. Simmons in the News
• Sen. Simmons community resources (rental help, food pantry hours and water assistance)

Scroll to read more.

Sen Simmons’ Covid-19 Toolkit

              KN95 Masks available:

•  40th ward Office, only by request: 2 per person, Https://bit.ly/K95Request
• 48th ward Office, M-F while supplies last, 1 per person

COVID-19 Testing Locations HERE.

Vaccine sites in the 7th District:
Vaccines offered as of Jan. 12 and are subject to change at any time. Please visit the website linked to each location for more information and call ahead of time to check vaccine availability and to set up appointment times for any vaccines. For a  list of sites offering vaccines in the district click HERE.

Upcoming Townhall

On Monday, Jan. 31 at 6:00 p.m., join my office and Rep. La Shawn K. Ford for a community town hall on Senate Bill 828: Voting in Prison. Register HERE. 

 Sen. Simmons in the news:

•   Year in Review 2021
   

Sen. Simmons’ Resources for Constituents:

Rental Assistance Program
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services has extended the application deadline for its Rental Assistance Program and will continue to accept applications through Jan. 31. The program provides support to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless through eviction or who may become homeless soon due to loss of income or other eligible emergencies that may prevent them from paying rent. You are eligible for the program if:

• You live in the city of Chicago.
• You are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or another emergency.
• You economically classify as a low-income household.
• Your landlord completes the program requirements.
• Those interested can apply for the program online or call 311 to reach the homeless prevention center.

Food Insecurity in the 7th District

Many of our families and neighbors in the 7th district have fallen on hard times, especially during these last few years. In parts of the 7th district, such as in parts of Rogers Park, West Ridge, Uptown, and Edgewater, one out of four and up to half of the families are food insecure. Access to food is a basic right, not a priviledge. If you or someone you know needs help finding out where to gain access to food, you can call our office and we will connect you with an organization ready to help. Your community is full of neighbors prepared to help those who need additional assistance. All of these pantries and their volunteers are here to help, serve clients, and maintain the clients' confidentiality. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions. Our office is a non-judgement zone and a safe space for all those in need.
 

Lakeview Pantry

I was grateful to spend MLK Day supporting Lakeview Pantry's Sheridan Market where my partner and I helped provide produce, meats, and canned goods to constituents. I encourage you to consider volunteering at one of the many terrific food pantries and social service agencies across the 7th District.

Volunteer Today at Lakeview Pantry 
You can volunteer at Lakeview Pantry by registering online. You will automatically recieve an orientation video and your personal site link where you can sign up for shifts. If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like to volunteer at another 7th District agency, give our office a call and we can connect you with a site that needs volunteers.

Care For Real Expanding Evening Hours

Care For Real, located at 5339. N. Sheridan Rd., now offers food distribution from 4-7 p.m. on Mondays. It used to offer the distribution in the mornings. The change went into effect this month. Learn more HERE. For residents in Rogers Park, a quick reminder that Care For Real also has a Rogers Park pop up site on Tuesdays from 12-2 p.m. at 1545 W. Morse.

$42 million in water assistance available

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by visiting DCEO’s website or contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at 1-833-711-0374.

Volunteer help needed in the 40th ward!

Alderman Vasquez's office needs volunteers to help deliver K95 masks to our neighbors in need. If you are available and interested in being a part of either the K95 Driver Drop off Team or their Neighbor Network Precinct Partner program, please fill out the form so they can contact you.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 if we can help you with anything.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons

State Senator | 7th District