Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons

Simmons Holds Immigration and Housing Town Hall to Inform and Empower Constituents

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, September 24, 2025 01:22 PM

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CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons held a town hall Thursday evening at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville to share information on immigration rights, resources, and advocacy in light of ICE presence in Illinois, and also addressed the ongoing housing crisis, double-digit rent increases, and challenges to homeownership.

“We are living in a time that is not normal. There is so much that people are worried about right now, so it is incredibly important to me to communicate people’s rights when it comes to immigration and the presence of ICE in our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of an asylum seeker from Ethiopia, I want to affirm that as state senator of the 7th District, I am here to fight for my community and their right to pursue peace and prosperity here in Illinois and across the nation.”

7th District constituents came to the Swedish American Museum on Thursday to discuss recent federal actions, including concerns about ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and what their authority to conduct enforcement looks like in Illinois.

Simmons law promotes water conservation and reuse efforts

Details: Category: Press Releases; Wednesday, August 20, 2025 12:32 PM

Water pipes

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons will allow the industrial use of municipal wastewater through reclamation of a variety of water sources.

“As we continue to look for ways to curb the effects of industry on our environment, this is one way we can work in tandem with industries to reuse our resources,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This law continues our commitment to our environment and is one more way we can sustain our natural resources here in Illinois.”

By reclaiming water from a variety of sources, treating it and reusing it, industrial wastewater could be used for power generation or cooling of data centers. Because this water may have limited contact with humans, it tends to be less costly and less energy intensive to treat and reuse, ultimately saving money and resources for communities.

Simmons law removes barriers to medical supplies for patients

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, August 19, 2025 01:24 PM

Senator Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – Hearing from constituents who face barriers to accessing their medical supplies from pharmacies even when they had a prescription, State Senator Mike Simmons new law will help these individuals’ access necessary supplies from their pharmacy.

“This law ensures that patients who have prescriptions for injectable medications get the supplies they need and ensures the supplies are clean and safe,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This law will allow pharmacists to make the decision to protect patients and safeguard public health.”

Before this law, pharmacists are allowed to sell up to 100 sterile hypodermic needles or syringes to a person who is at least 18 years old.

Simmons law will redefine signage for bicyclists in Illinois

Details: Category: Press Releases; Tuesday, August 19, 2025 01:24 PM

Bicycle

SPRINGFIELD – To protect cyclists in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law ensures proper and safe signage around bike paths in Illinois.

“As an avid bike rider myself, I know how many people use our pathways every day for work or for just incidental travel, and this will help keep people safe,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When someone rides their bike in our communities, for enjoyment or commuting, they can now be confident they are safe.”

Simmons’ laws, House Bill 2675, states that if a crossing is controlled by an official traffic control device or sign, there is no need for crossing signage. The law also ensures that if there is a known emergency or hazard, local authorities who hold ownership of a physical road or path must erect signage or other warning markers on publicly owned bicycle trails.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor and pleasure to represent Illinois’ 7th Senate District.

Here you can find information about the 7th District, access local and state resources, and keep up to date with what’s happening at the Capitol. I hope you’ll find this website useful.

Please feel free to contact me at either of my offices with questions, concerns or ways I can better serve you.

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Sincerely,

Sen. Mike Simmons