General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
June and July have been filled with amazing community moments - from my annual Pride Press Conference at the Gerber Hart Library, Midsommarfest in Andersonville, a State of the State event in Lincoln Square, a Senior Town Hall at The Breakers in Edgewater, and Juneteenth celebrations in Rogers Park. My staff and I have also been able to do traffic calming site visits along Western, host our annual Northside Housing Fair at Truman College, and I gave four commencement graduation speeches!
All of these events keep me firmly rooted in the 7th District. In the past few weeks, I had the privilege of encountering the smiling faces of 8th grade and high school graduates, talking with seniors who use their well-earned retirement to fight for democracy, meeting with small businesses owners who sustain their culture through food, and dancing and celebrating with neighbors at a block party on Juneteenth - Freedom Day. In a time when federal cuts try to divide and push people down and make us feel small, I want to remind you that our 7th District is strong, beautiful, and connected. I am dedicated to knowing you, your experiences, worries, successes, and hopes for the future.
I want to assure you that your voice is heard, and I want to thank the many thousands of you who have taken time to call and write to my office about what is important to you. I have been sending out hundreds of emails in reply to those who wrote in regarding the transit fiscal cliff and various other legislative topics. Please be on the lookout for a response from me as I work through a backlog of letters from constituents! It takes time to reply to you all, but I feel that it is important you hear directly from me when you write into my office.
In the coming days, weeks, and months ahead, you can expect that I will do everything in my power to take action to protect our rights and to fulfill the purpose of the state government to its people. I am actively and forcefully calling for a special session to address the looming transit fiscal cliff. I will be pushing to pass LGBTQ+ human rights protections. I will be working to pass protections against rental junk fees for tenants. I will strive to protect books and materials in the public school curriculum. These are just a few of the policies I intend to see over the finish line.
No lawmaker or leader can deny the lived experiences and needs of their constituents. I am firmly dedicated to co-governing and encourage you to stay engaged. As always, you can reach my office at
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Senator Simmons District Updates
Simmons Holds 5th Annual Pride Press Conference
Caption: Senator Simmons surrounded by LGBTQ+ advocates, leaders, and community members at his 5th Annual Pride Press Conference at the Gerber Hart Library.
In June I hosted my 5th Annual Pride Press Conference at the Gerber Hart Library! This year we changed it up and gave the mic to 6 LGBTQ+ front-line workers from organizations who led a panel about creating safe spaces for youth, programming, and what providing mental and physical health in the community looks like. It was an emotional and inspiring discussion. Thank you so much to Chicago's LGBTQ+ community, to our queer activists, allies in leadership, elected officials, 7th District neighbors, and small businesses who attended! This month and every month I'm celebrating Pride. Thank you to Gerber Hart, AIDS Foundation Chicago, Chicago Therapy Collective, Brave Space Alliance, Rayo Community Clinic and Co-Op, Center on Halsted and Trans Up Front for being our guest speakers!
State of the State with Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
Caption: Senator Simmons provides transit fiscal cliff updates on a panel alongside State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and State Representative Hoan Huynh.
On June 11th, I joined Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for their quarterly State of the State panel discussion. As I grew up in Lincoln Square, I am always eager to stop by the neighborhood and share updates, and am grateful to the chamber for holding this event every year. The bulk of discussion between myself, Representative Hoan Huynh, and Treasurer Michael Frerichs centered on the transit fiscal cliff, focusing on how any service cuts would have a harmful impact on our business corridors and the overall local economy.
I also shared the items in the FY26 State Budget that I was happy about passing and disappointed about being left out. I was thrilled to maintain or increase funding for very important resources in our community, such as $12 million in funding for 7th District safety net hospitals including Swedish Covenant, Weiss Hospital, and Thorek Hospital, evidence-based funding for schools, and violence prevention programs. I was extremely disappointed about not getting HB3438, the transit package that includes funding and reform, to the Governor’s desk, but I will continue to fight with a sense of urgency to get this bill passed. Thank you Ian Tobin and everyone at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for hosting at Begyle Brewing!
Senator Simmons Allocates $400,000 for Western Avenue Traffic Calming
Caption: Senator Mike Simmons, Commissioner Josina Morita, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein, and Cook County Department of Highways staff discuss traffic calming options for Western Ave. at Chase and Estes intersections.
I am happy to share that in the FY26 budget, I was able to appropriate $400,000 in capital funding to improve the intersections of Western/Estes and Western/Chase in Rogers Park!
Currently, these crossings are dangerous for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. To fix the problem collaboratively, I, along with Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, and Alderwoman Debra Silverstein conducted a site visit and determined safety improvements options for these intersections.
Thank you to everyone who has shared safety concerns about this intersection, and we look forward to its improvement!
Caption: Senator Simmons waiting to cross Western Ave where improved pedestrian safety infrastructure may be installed.
Clarendon Park Community Center Re-Opening
Caption: Senator Simmons, along with Alderwoman Clay, Chicago Park District CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, community members cut the ribbon to officially re-open the newly renovated Clarendon Park Community Center.
Caption: Senator Simmons checks out the vintage replica of CTA trains and buses at the Clarendon Park Community Center.
I was thrilled to officially celebrate the re-opening of the Clarendon Park Community Center earlier this month, alongside Alderwoman Clay and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, CEO of the Chicago Park District. Located at 4501 N. Clarendon, this project has been years in the making. In its beginning stages I made sure state funds moved to make way for construction, and it was a glorious moment to stand inside the new building. After being closed for nearly 3 years, the new building offers a brand new gymnasium, auditorium, workout room, classroom recreation space and outdoor gardens. It is such a gift to the community! And - be sure to check out the vintage public transit CTA train and bus replicas!
Town Hall for Seniors at the Breakers at Edgewater Beach
Caption: Senator Simmons speaks at the Breakers, invited by the Initiative for Democracy Senior Group.
On June 10th, I joined the Initiative for Democracy Senior Group at the Breakers at Edgewater Beach for a Town Hall. This is my second time hosting a Town Hall at the Breakers to share updates directly with some of the most civically engaged seniors in our community.
We had a thoughtful question and answer discussion where I reiterated my hope to return to Springfield ASAP for a special session to fully fund public transit, my mission to vigorously defend Illinois from any cuts made by the Trump administration, and my hope that we stick together while the Federal government tries to push us apart. It is always a pleasure to stop by the Breakers to engage with seniors who are deeply engaged in supporting our community.
Graduations, Graduations, Graduations!
While most of our youth graduated over a month ago, I want to make sure we give them their flowers! To Sullivan High School, Goudy Elementary, Disney Magnet, and Ravenswood Elementary - thank you for including me as commencement speaker in your celebrations, I am so proud of you!
Caption: Senator Simmons celebrating with a Sullivan Graduate and their family.
First, I spoke at Sullivan High School’s graduation ceremony which was held at Loyola University Chicago. It was fun to highlight some of the achievements Sullivan’s graduating class had accomplished in their senior year, including 46 graduates earning college credits ahead of graduation!
Caption: Senator Simmons and a dozen Goudy graduates.
Next, I was the commencement speaker for Goudy Elementary’s 8th grade graduation. It was beautiful to see the diversity of our youth present all across the room. I was also thoroughly impressed by the musical performances. Congratulations Goudy graduates!
Caption: Senator Simmons speaking at Disney Magnet School’s graduation ceremony.
Finally, I had back-to-back commencement speeches for Disney, Magnet and Ravenswood Elementary. Speaking at Disney at 9:00 a.m. and at Ravenswood at 10:30 a.m., both schools asked me to speak months prior, and I couldn’t turn either of them down!
Caption: Senator Simmons celebrates with the Ravenswood Elementary Class of 2025.
Congratulations to all of our 2024-25 graduates across the 7th District! Thank you to Principal Cooks at Sullivan, Principal Yeh at Goudy, Principal Riskus at Disney, and Principal Guerrero at Ravenswood for inviting me to speak to some amazing young scholars who will lead our country into the future!
Northside Housing Fair 2025
Caption: Team Simmons ready to provide resources at the annual Northside Housing Fair at Truman College.
As we do every year, my team and I helped host the Northside Housing Fair 2025 in the Truman College Cafeteria at 1145 W. Wilson. This annual resource fair is open to the public, offering assistance for homeowners, renters, and landlords alike. From free classes to dozens of vendors, Northside Community Resources puts on an immensely helpful event that I am honored to be a part of every year.
Caption: Senator Simmons speaking at the housing resource fair alongside Northside Community Resources Executive Director, Chris Zala.
“A Day in the 48th Ward” with Mayor Johnson
Caption: Heather Saenger (bottom right) Chief of Staff to Senator Simmons participates in a roundtable discussion with Mayor Johnson at Women & Children First Bookstore.
In late June, my chief of staff, Heather Saenger participated in a “Day in the 48th Ward” hosted by Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and Mayor Johnson, where they brought together community and government leaders to discuss LGBTQ+ rights and protections, small business support, community safety, and upcoming events. Many thanks to Women & Children First bookstore for hosting a deep conversation about what local and state leaders are doing to protect and support our communities, and to Iggy Ladden of Chicago Therapy Collective for bringing voices to the table, including the Chicago Commission on Human Rights, TPAN, Brave Space Alliance, Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, and the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.
Rep. Cassidy’s Pokemon and Pride: Trans Youth Resource Fair
Caption: Gabby, Outreach Coordinator, holding up Pokemon card packs.
My team had a wonderful time giving out Pokemon card packs to kids at Representative Cassidy’s Trans Youth resource fair! Trans youth need all the support we can give them at a time when the Federal government cares more about targeting LGBTQ+ people than connecting kids with free school lunches, access to healthcare, and more. Thank you State Representative Kelly Cassidy for hosting such a beautiful event for trans youth and inviting my team and I along to support!
Midsommarfest 2025
Caption: Senator Simmons chats with a constituent at Midsommarfest.
Caption: Senator Simmons’ staffer, Payman, makes sure a young constituent has summer reading info and candy at Midsommarfest.
Midsommarfest is the unofficial start of summer in the 7th District, and it was great to be able to table and chat with folks throughout the weekend. Many thanks to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and the entire small business community who once again hosted a world-class event that proudly celebrated the LGBTQ+ community, Swedish heritage, and cultures and traditions from all over the world. The live music next to my booth was awesome!
Celebrating Juneteenth in Edgewater and Rogers Park
Caption: Senator Simmons speaks at the Edgewater Presbyterian Church Juneteenth Celebration.
Caption: Summer staffer, Dohyeon, shares helpful information with a constituent at A Just Harvest’s Juneteenth Celebration in Rogers Park.
This past Juneteenth, my team and I celebrated in multiple ways throughout the 7th District. Thank you to Edgewater Presbyterian Church for lifting up freedom day and thank you to A Just Harvest and Howard Evanston Community Center for hosting the Rogers Park community celebrations! Finding joy in the struggle is at the core of Juneteenth, which marks the end of chattel slavery on June 19, 1865 in the United States. We sang, danced, ate good food and enjoyed one another's company - all things we do not and cannot take for granted.
Community News & Upcoming Events
Uptown Action Trash Pickups
Uptown Action is back hosting trash pickups in 2025! Join Uptown neighbors to pick up trash and keep the neighborhood clean on the last Saturday of each month at 10am. Equipment is provided, and all are welcome to join. Sign up via their website linked here, or you can email
Taoist Tai Chi Arts Sessions
Resources
Now Open: ComEd Relief Fund of Up to $500 for Residents, $1,000 for Nonprofits
ComEd is now offering debt relief of up to $500 for residents and $1,000 for nonprofits for folks that need help paying off past due energy bills. This is a brand new program that could be crucial for folks needing help with their energy bills during the heat of the Summer. Please click here for more information. You can also stop by or contact my office at 773-769-1717 if you have any questions about the program.
New Flagship DMV Center Open in the Loop
The Illinois Secretary of State recently opened up a brand new Flagship Center for Illinois DMV services downtown in the Loop at 125 W. Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603. At this new facility, you can obtain a Real ID, apply for a disability placard, renew your license plates, and do almost everything you can do at a DMV facility. I am thrilled that we now have a DMV that is accessible to the 7th District by one trip on the CTA Red, Purple, or Brown Line! You can book an appointment for the facility linked here.
New Illinois General Assembly Website
ILGA.gov is the website for all things related to Illinois legislation, and it just received a massive facelift! You can use ILGA.gov to look up bills, learn about passed legislation, and submit witness slips to share your support or opposition to a bill when it is undergoing consideration by committee! I’m excited for the updated site, and I hope you can utilize it too to track all my legislation.
Senator Simmons: Call for Summer Volunteers!
The summer season is almost here which means many opportunities to volunteer at events or in my district office! Contact my Operations and Outreach Coordinator, Gabby Tewodros, at 773-769-1717,
Community Development Grants - Small and Medium
Receive up to $250,000 (small) or $5 million (medium) for construction or renovation costs for your business. Grants support local, commercial, and light manufacturing projects. Full information and application here. Applications Open Until 11:59PM August 15, 2025.
Eligibility:
- Proposed projects must be revenue-generating
- Projects must comprise the following uses
- Commercial (office, retail)
- Light industrial
- Mixed-use residential (residential costs cannot exceed 25% of the total grant amount and must be part of a larger building improvement, such as HVAC/plumbing)
- Priority is given to projects with strong local impacts that leverage local talents, capacities and institutions and contribute to community vitality.
Note that this is a reimbursement grant. Eligible costs include pre-development, new construction and renovations. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, community developers, and entrepreneurs. Apply now.
Equality Illinois LGBTQ+ Resource Guide
Know Your Rights/Conozca sus Derechos
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! If you ever want to reach out to our office, please call us at 773-769-1717, and we will respond promptly. We can also be reached at
