Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons
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Simmons Files Bill to Remove Barriers to Housing

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Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 04:26 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – Continuing his work to remove barriers when accessing housing and state services, State Senator Mike Simmons is moving legislation that would remove a notary requirement for unhoused residents who apply for a free state identification card.

“A major barrier for unhoused folks is that they often have no form of official identification, which means they cannot apply for a job, a transit card, housing, and much more. In order to apply for a free state ID, the person is currently required to get the signature of a notary. This is simply too difficult,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Easing the requirement for unhoused residents to get ID cards means they can get back on their feet sooner.”

Currently, application fees for standard Illinois state IDs are waived for unhoused individuals, but their application must be accompanied by a notarized affirmation. This can be difficult for individuals with little financial resources, as notary fees vary but can cost up to $25. Under Senate Bill 1173, the notary requirement for unhoused individuals to apply for and obtain a state ID would be lifted.

Read more …

Simmons Bill Allows for Safer Movement for Cyclists in Illinois

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Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 05:13 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed a bill through committee on Tuesday that would allow bicyclists to perform an Idaho Stop and safely move through intersections.

“Current rules of the road prevent cyclists from being able to safely react to traffic in an intersection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill grants riders the ability to make the safest decision possible when approaching a stop sign.”

Under the new legislation, Senate Bill 2111, anyone operating a bicycle on the roadways of Illinois would have the ability to perform an Idaho stop.

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Simmons Celebrates March 2 as Adwa Day

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Category: Press Releases
Friday, March 07, 2025 10:11 AM

State Senator Mike Simmons on the Floor

SPRINGFIELD – As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office to serve in the Illinois Senate, State Senator Mike Simmons proudly rose during session to recognize March 2 as Adwa Day, a national holiday in Ethiopia commemorating the pivotal Battle of Adwa, celebrated by more than 130 million people throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora.

“In Illinois, and indeed in the 7th District, there is a sizable Ethiopian and Eritrean population,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, and as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office, I am proud to uplift our history and celebrate Adwa Day.”

Adwa Day commemorates the pivotal Battle of Adwa where a militia of more than 100,000 men and women decisively fought off European colonialism on March 2, 1896 in the mountain town of Adwa. Ethiopia holds the place as the only African nation to remain independent and sovereign, never colonized, and officially recognized by global powers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

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Simmons pushes for language translations on state websites

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Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, March 05, 2025 03:00 PM

Senator Mike Simmons

SPRINGFIELD – To provide translation for the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons is pushing for legislation that would require state websites to engage automatic translation of the website into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in the state.

“Dozens of languages are commonly spoken in Illinois, and especially within the 7th District. Many state programs and resources are simply inaccessible due to language barriers, which in turn disenfranchises entire communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Translating state websites communicates the importance of being able to access information in a person’s native language, and increases the likelihood that people receive the help they need when turning to state resources.”

Simmons’ Senate Bill 1262 would require the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to develop and implement a system that automatically translates websites operated by the state into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in Illinois by Jan. 1, 2026.

Read more …

More Articles …

  1. Simmons addresses youth investments, health care needs
  2. Simmons Sworn in as Illinois State Senator at 104th General Assembly Inauguration
  3. Simmons law promotes recruitment for educators and childcare providers in Illinois
  4. Simmons: Housing is a human right
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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.

For scheduling requests, please use the form linked HERE.

To reach our office via text message, send a text to 773-945-9979.

To contact us about issues that matter most to you: CONTACT US

Sincerely,

Sen. Mike Simmons

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District

Request a Meeting or Event

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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