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General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
While today is the last day of Black History Month, I encourage us all to lift up and reflect on the many, many contributions Black people have made to the Americas, and across the global Black Diaspora.
Happy Black History Month everyone! While I am supremely proud to be Black each and every day, it is always awesome to amplify and lift up Black and African voices, history, pride, and our unbreakable spirit during the month of February.
In the past week, my office and I hosted a Black History Month Youth Discussion where young scholars gifted us with their knowledge and dreams for the future, attended the Loyola Park Black History Month event, and sang Lift Every Voice at McPherson Elementary’s Black Student Council event. It was life-giving!
To further commemorate Black History Month, my team and I compiled a list of Black-Owned bookstores in the 7th District and across Chicago.
I have been in Springfield this week as well, where in addition to the usual schedule of caucus, hearings, and session, so many advocates came down to the people’s house on Wednesday. I met with advocates (and many neighbors!) from ONE Northside, The People’s Lobby, Centro Romero, and the University of Illinois. On top of that, I’ve had productive and collaborative meetings with the new senior staff at IDOT to discuss road safety and improvements on state routes, CDOT to discuss safety on 7th District roadways, and economic development advocates to discuss affordable housing, small business support, safety, and historic preservation in the 7th District.
Among all of this, I want to take a moment to highlight that on Wednesday, Governor Pritzker announced an additional 170,000 Illinois residents have had their medical debt erased - relieving $345 million. This debt relief is a result of HB5290, a bill from last Spring I was proud to have passed out of the Senate. We will continue to fight to make sure everyone has health care they can rely on, without burdening their families and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
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General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
My 2025 legislative agenda has been officially filed, and I am proud to share that I will be carrying over thirty bills for the next two years as part of the 104th General Assembly. My legislative agenda focuses on housing, human rights, transportation, healthcare, the environment, and education. As in past years, I’ve learned what is important to you through one-on-one conversations, walk-ins to my office, phone calls, community events, town halls, and organized advocacy. All of these interactions directly inform the legislation I bring forth, and I want to thank everyone for being engaged and passionate about what you want to see for our community and society in coming years. Please take a moment to read through all of the bills below and check out the status page of each linked on ilga.gov to stay up-to-date with my legislation.
Also below is an update on the committees I will be sitting in for the 104th General Assembly, my response to Governor Pritzker’s budget address, a recap of my visit to the Plainfield Pace dispatch facility, and community events. Keep scrolling to learn about important grant opportunities for families at-risk of homelessness, small businesses, and a reminder to seek out warming locations as we experience extreme weather.
One last item to share that I am excited about - on Saturday, tune in to ABC7 at 6 p.m. to catch me in a special Black History Month feature on Black Hair, where I share my personal story, background as the son of a salon owner, and legislation fighting against hair discrimination. You can also watch the full special here.
It’s been a busy few weeks, and stay tuned for even more updates in the coming days. Stay warm, and take care of one another!
Sincerely,
Senator Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
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General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
Before we continue to push for progress in 2025, I wanted to share everything we accomplished together in 2024. This newsletter contains a complete rundown of our accomplishments in 2024, including statistics on my legislative and outreach efforts. From passing 83 bills (which includes bills I authored, Chief-Cosponsored or Co-Sponsored) to attending 294 community events in 2024, I am as committed as ever to fighting for you in the Illinois Senate and connecting with you out and about in the 7th District.
Looking to the future, I stood with colleagues to introduce the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, a new piece of legislation that would prohibit Illinois’ major retirement systems from making new investments in fossil fuel companies. We must take action to reduce the State’s investment into fossil fuels, and I am proud to be leading efforts to divest from the fossil fuel industry.
I am also committed to advocating for and protecting our migrant neighbors from the oppressive efforts of the current federal administration. I recently sent out a Know Your Rights/Conozca sus Derechos newsletter including important information for neighbors at risk. Please take a moment to review this newsletter whether you think you are at risk or not. Every member of our community has rights that must be recognized—regardless of immigration status—and everyone should be aware of these rights to help protect one another.
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
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Dear Neighbor,
One of the most beautiful things about the 7th District is that it is home to people from all over the globe. Our diverse range of backgrounds are a gift, which is why I want to share that I know that having ICE raids in our communities and neighborhoods is scary and stressful. I want to let you know that I and my office are here to provide help and assistance where we can and encourage everyone to know your rights under Illinois law. Below are laws in place which help protect against unlawful harassment and racial profiling. I also encourage you to visit these trusted resources: icirr.org and immigrantjustice.org.
The Illinois Trust Act and the VOICES Act protects all residents from warrantless arrest in a variety of safe spaces, including churches, schools, hospitals, and group homes.
Additionally, immigrant-rights experts are reminding residents to:
- Refuse to open the door to their home unless presented with a warrant signed by a judge.
- Exercise the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
- Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney.
- If detained, get a lawyer trained in immigration law. Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights helpline at 1-855-435-7693 to connect with experts in immigration law.
The 7th District is, and always will be, home to people from all over the globe. My office and I are dedicated to helping where we can. For anyone who needs resources in additional languages, please reach out and my office will help make those available. You can reach us at 773-769-1717 or
Sincerely,
Senator Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
More Articles …
- Senator Simmons Passes Lame Duck Bills and is Inaugurated into 104th General Assembly
- Senator Simmons to Hold “Housing as a Human Right” Human Rights Committee Hearing Tomorrow, December 17
- Senator Simmons Celebrates Medical Debt Relief for 52,000 Illinois Residents, Passes Legislation Supporting Recruitment and Retention for Early Childhood Educators, Grants, and Community Events
- Senator Simmons Attends White House Convening on Child Care, Receives Awards from Thresholds and Treasurer Frerichs, Hosts DHS Mobile Office Hours, and More
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Office Info
District Office
1040 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 769-1717 (Phone)
(773) 945-9979 (Text)
Springfield Office:
Senator 7th District
Stratton Building
Section F, Office G
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8492
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