Dear Neighbor,
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer. August is National Black Business Month! Please take time out this month and every month to patronize our wonderful local Black-owned businesses. I also wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the events I had the pleasure of attending the past couple of weeks. Aside from attending community events this month, I received the honor of being inducted into the 10th class of Edgar Fellows.
There is also information below regarding the monkeypox virus (MPV), eligibility requirements for a vaccine, and where to receive a vaccine this weekend.
Please continue to have a wonderful and safe summer. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 if we can help you with anything.
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
MPV Information
On Aug. 1, 2022, Gov. Pritzker declared the MPV outbreak in Illinois a public health emergency. On Aug. 4, 2022 the Biden administration declared MPV a public health emergency.
According to the Center for Disease Control MPV is spread through close, personal, (often) skin-to-skin contact, including contact with respiratory secretions, or contact with rashes or objects that have been in contact with rashes. This includes intimate contact, hugging, massages, or prolonged face-to-face contact.
On August 16th, the Chicago Department of Public Health updated their vaccine eligibility requirements, which can be viewed CDPH MPV vaccine eligibility requirements .
This Saturday August 20th, the Center on Halsted is partnering with CDPH to host a MPV vaccine clinic from 9am to 2pm. There are 500 vaccine appointments available. You can request an MPV vaccine appointment at Center on Halsted .
Community Events
Annual Newgard Yard Sale
The Annual Newgard Yard Sale is this weekend! I will be out and about this Saturday looking around at all the sales, so come out and support your neighbors!
Glenwood Arts Fest is this weekend!
My office and I will be at the Glenwood Arts Fest this Saturday and Sunday! Come on down to Morse Ave. near the Morse CTA stop starting at 11am both days to see my booth, right next to Alderwoman Maria Hadden and Rep. Kelly Cassidy. My booth number is 121, located across from Morse Fresh Market on the south side of the street. Stop by and say hello! View Glenwood Arts Fest details .
For National Black Business Month, please consider visiting one of the many Black-owned businesses located in our district. View list of Black-owned businesses in Illinois .
Senator Simmons named Edgar Fellow
Earlier this month I was selected out of 190 nominees to participate in the prestigious Edgar Fellowship program and was named an Edgar Fellow. I am honored to be part of a civic organization that prioritizes bipartisan collaboration in its efforts to invigorate Illinois and its residents. We met for one week in Urbana and participated in an intensive executive training program. During the program we heard from policy experts on topics ranging from the economy and inflation, Medicaid, climate change, public safety, education, and more. I'm thrilled to bring new ideas and energy into the upcoming legislative session.
Image: Senator Simmons with Edgar Fellows cohort.
Community Updates
Ban Assault Weapons Now!
I joined the 47th Ward Yard Council and Moms Demand Action this week in Lincoln Square to demand a statewide ban on assault weapons. I am incredibly proud to represent so many passionate and active community members who care about passing sensible gun laws.
Image: Speaking at anti-gun violence rally.
Image: Meeting with Moms Demand Action members.
Summer Block Parties!
I have been out and about all summer meeting constituents at our neighborhood block parties! I always enjoy meeting residents and hearing what's on their minds, discussing legislative updates, and finding ways to help people. Are you planning a block party? Let me know over email where it is, when it is, and who is organizing it by emailing
Image: Block party interaction with constituents.
Image: Speaking with constituents at block party.
Images: Back to school backpack distribution in Rogers Park.
Dim Sum Run!
I enjoyed welcoming racers to the Chinese Mutual Aid Association's Dim Sum & Then Some 5k/10k earlier this month. The Chinese Mutual Aid Association is a wonderful organization in our district that provides many services such as housing assistance, health care assistance, job skills training, and job placement. Learn more about Chinese Mutual Aid Association .
Image: Dim Sum 5K event participation.
Senator Simmons visited Christopher House Uptown Cultural Fashion Show and Food Exchange
Image: Uptown Cultural Fashion Show attendance.
Christopher House Uptown's Cultural Fashion Show and the Cultural Exchange was an absolute blast and success! All the kids wore traditional garments reflecting their heritage from East and West Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. As the first generation born in America on my dad's side, I believe it is important to honor culture and heritage.
