General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

These past two weeks have been an intersection of so many things - a return to Springfield to reconvene the general assembly for Veto session, stakeholder meetings on legislation, community safety events, small business visits with Lieutenant Governor Stratton on Argyle, and holding space to celebrate and lift up our Trans siblings during Transgender Awareness Week.

A highlight that I want to share is that The Medical Debt Relief Act (HB 5290), a law that I passed earlier this year, awarded over 52,000 Illinoisans medical debt relief in October alone for households at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. I am proud that we are taking rapid action as a state to wipe out medical debt for families and individuals, and folks know that their financial future is more secure.
Also in the past week, I passed House Bill 814 out of the Senate which strengthens workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers in Illinois through surveying groups and individuals with relevant expertise and lived experiences. It just makes sense - we should be asking those who are directly impacted and within this sector for their input and expertise to inform a plan for Illinois families and childcare providers to be able to find the best employees possible.

As we enter into the holiday season this week, along with colder weather, I want to call out that this is a time of year for celebration for many, but also a challenging time for our neighbors who need a helping hand. I am so grateful for the many food giveaways, coat drives, gift drives, and community resource events happening all over the 7th District. Also, if you are able, don’t forget to support your small business local restaurants, shops, and services. Take a look at the community events section below for ways to help, shop local, and celebrate the season.

For Thanksgiving, my district office will be closed Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29. If you need assistance, please leave a message at 773-769-1717 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will reply when we return. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,




Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are well. It has been a challenging week for many in the community, and I want to reassure anyone who is struggling, that you are not alone. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office or to a trusted community resource. Just below this letter is a list of resources.

I am heartened to reflect back on the events and updates below as they are an example of what is to come for the future. My office and I will remain focused on making sure that everyone in Illinois - whether your family has lived here for generations or just arrived for the first time - has access to the most basic of human dignities; food, housing, healthcare, childcare, wellness, and safety.

As I ender my next term as your state senator, I want to express that it is the honor of my life to serve you and the community that I grew up in. Your needs and lived experiences directly inform legislation, outreach, and advocacy from my office. As always, should you need to reach us please do not hesitate to call our office at 773-769-1717 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Dear Neighbor,

I have a very important event to share! Tomorrow, October 24th I am hosting a Mobile Office Hours event in partnership with DHS, from 12-3pm at the Institute of Cultural Affairs building at 4750 N. Sheridan Road. There will be on-site DHS caseworkers in addition to my staff to help fill out SNAP and Medicaid applications or renewals in-person. Senior service assistance with ride-free transit passes and license plate discounts will also be available. This is a wonderful resource for those looking for help with these services and more. Please stop by if you are looking for support!

Este jueves, el 24 de octubre, de 12-3pm, organicé un evento de horas de oficina móvil en colaboración con el DHS en el Institute of Cultural Affairs, ubicado en 4750 N Sheridan Rd. Habrá asistentes sociales del DHS con mi equipo para ayudar a completar las aplicaciones para SNAP y Medicaid en persona. También habrá disponible asistencia para personas mayores con pases de transporte gratuitos y descuentos en matrículas. Este es un recurso maravilloso para quienes buscan apoyo con estos servicios y más. ¡Ven si necesita ayuda!

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Transportation Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Friend,

In addition to a summer full of outreach, community events, and constituent casework, I want to take the opportunity to update you on what I have been working on in the area of transportation. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee and a life-long cyclist and public transit user, I have made a point to bike to hearings in Naperville and Elgin, where I advocated for the prioritization of pedestrian/cyclist safety, multimodal transportation, and all-things CTA from improved service and safety on all buses and trains, bus rapid transit, and the elimination of ghost buses.

As your Senator, I know the future of transportation is at a generational crossroads. This Transportation focused e-blast covers the latest related to transportation issues, including the redesign of North Dusable Lake Shore Drive, ongoing discussions about potential reforms of our mass transit systems currently operating as the Regional Transit Authority (CTA, Metra, and Pace), and even a few fun highlights of biking through the State and District with my colleagues.

As reform talks continue, it is more important than ever to remember that above all else, we must strive for a transportation system that is safe, accessible, and sustainable for all.

The next Senate Transportation Hearing takes place on Wednesday, October 16th at 10:00 a.m. and will be live-streamed on ilga.gov. I encourage you to tune in!

In addition, this fall I am focused on fighting for the House passage of my bill, SB899, which passed the Senate this past spring. This bill will advance more than two dozen traffic calming and road safety infrastructure improvement projects in high-crash corridors across the state, including in our district. Specifically, this bill advances new pedestrian and cyclist safety design requirements by clarifying state and city jurisdiction over project management of these road improvements.

If you have any questions, opinions, or comments you want to share on anything related to the future of transportation, please feel free to reach out via the contact form on my website or by giving my office a call at 773-769-1717. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District