Simmons delivers heartwarming valentines to 7th District senior residents

Caption: State Senator Mike Simmons delivers more than 200 valentines to senior facilities within the 7th District on Feb. 14.

CHICAGO – To celebrate and spread joy to senior residents across the 7th Senate District, State Senator Mike Simmons visited senior residential buildings on Wednesday to deliver Valentine’s Day cards created by students from local public schools and community members as part of his card collection drive.

“It was a joy to deliver these beautiful, heartfelt valentines to our senior residents this Valentine’s Day,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This collection drive was a community effort, and its success is a testament to the compassionate hearts of our schools and neighbors. Thank you to our educators and students who made sure as many seniors as possible received a card, and to all our neighbors who dropped off valentines.”

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Simmons raising awareness among Black communities on Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons stood with the Black Leadership Advocacy Coalition for Healthcare Equity today for Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day to celebrate the accomplishments in HIV prevention and care and to recognize the work still needed to overcome structural barriers to testing, prevention and treatment in Black communities.

“We have taken steps to reduce the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on Black communities, but disparities continue to exist,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). "It is crucial that we have conversations about HIV/AIDS to increase education, testing, community involvement and treatment among Black communities.”

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Communities in Action: Simmons Lifts up Illinois 7th District at White House forum

CHICAGO— State Senator Mike Simmons issued the following statement after his experience participating in Communities in Action at the White House in Washington, D.C.:

“The need for local and federal participation is imperative to meet the unique challenges our communities face. The Communities in Action event amplified the historical impacts from Biden's Investing in America vision on local and national levels.

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Simmons to attend White House Communities in Action

CHICAGO — State Senator Mike Simmons is in Washington, D.C. joining elected officials and community leaders from Illinois and Indiana to highlight the impacts of the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act on communities across Illinois.

“The impact of Biden-Harris policies and programs on Chicago’s far north side have created opportunities and expanded the possibilities for the diverse and resourceful people of the 7th District,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the partnership between Illinois Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration and look forward to continuing efforts to improve the lives of residents across our state.”

The impact of the Biden-Harris Administration in Simmons’ district has been monumental to his efforts in the Senate, inspiring Simmons’ leadership in fighting for passage of an Illinois state-level permanent child tax credit. Building on this state-federal partnership, Simmons’ package of bills recently signed into law accelerates the rollout of electric buses and modernizes transportation infrastructure to improve safety, accessibility and sustainability for residents across Illinois.

Under the administration, Illinois' unemployment rate has dropped to 4.5% with 429,000 jobs created since Biden took office. Simmons has worked hard to ensure his constituents can find meaningful, gainful employment, hosting job fairs for returning citizens and many others to help all residents in the 7th District live dignified lives in a fair and just economy.

Additionally, Simmons secured $2.5 million in funds to provide one-time $10,000 grants to small businesses across his Senate district last year through the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant – a direct response to the extraordinary challenges small business owners across the area face from inflation, corporate competition, rent increases, and labor and inventory shortages.

“I pride myself in being approachable and centering everyday people of the 7th District in my legislative work,” said Simmons. “When residents bring their concerns to me, I want to make sure they feel heard and I take action to address their issues. Through continued partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, we will continue strengthening our economy here in the 7th District.”