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
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Senator Simmons Legislative Updates
Thousands of Residents Receive Medical Debt Relief
Caption: Senator Simmons on the Senate floor in Springfield, discussing the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program.
I am thrilled that earlier this week the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services announced that in October alone, 52,745 Illinois residents have had over $72 million of their medical debt relieved, under the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program, new legislation that I was proud to champion and lead passage of earlier this year.
Illinois is one of the first states in the country to eliminate medical debt to improve health equity in Illinois as it weighs on households and individuals across the state. The program targets debt held by Illinois residents whose household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or whose medical debt comprises 5% or more of their household income.
When residents have medical debt, they are less likely to seek out medical aid that could improve or save their life. No one should have to make a decision like that, and I am proud to see this program beginning to provide relief for Illinoisans while improving health outcomes for scores of communities in the long run.
Improving Early Childhood Recruitment and Retention through Day Care Plan Survey
Making sure that families and children are provided with the very best, professional early childhood care is a basic building block of our communities. Each and every family should have peace of mind knowing their child receives the best education and care. To ensure this, we must make sure caregivers and educators aren’t strained beyond their capacity due to hiring shortages, and are fairly compensated for their essential work. That is why I am so proud to sponsor HB814, which will update the State Comprehensive Day Care Plan survey of day care facilities to include feedback from groups and individuals with relevant expertise and lived experiences with the goal of promoting workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers.
Advancing Natural Organic Reduction Bill
Earlier this week in Springfield, I met with stakeholders and industry experts to discuss details on oversight and implementation of HB3158, known as The Natural Organic Reduction Act. This bill essentially allows for a person to designate their remains after they die to be composted and returned to the earth, in a process that is controlled, safe, and overseen by funeral and end of life professionals. This bill began in the House with Representative Cassidy and I look forward to moving it to passage.
Illinois Environmental Council - Water Town Hall
Caption: Senator Simmons speaks at the virtual Illinois Environmental Council Water Town Hall on November 18.
Thank you to the Illinois Environmental Council for including me as a speaker during your Water Town Hall event earlier this month. I am passionate about and dedicated to preserving and protecting our waterways in Illinois, and it was invigorating to come together to review the progress that has been made, and share ideas for the future. I was happy to recap my support last year as Chief Co-Sponsor of three bills that were signed into law, the Small Plastic Bottle Act (SB2960), the Water Plan Task Force Act (SB2743), and of the Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program (SB2781).
Coming up in the next few months, I look forward to continuing to fight for passage of the Safe Public Drinking Water Act - SB727, a bill that will codify newly established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for 6 types of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a.k.a. “Forever chemicals,” that the U.S. EPA established limits for in April this year. It will also require the IL EPA to sample for 1,4 Dioxane by June 30th, 2026, and they will establish a new state-level MCL for that substance if they find Dioxane to have exceeded federal standards in our public drinking water in the past.
I will also be looking at how we can expand the research and development capabilities of the Illinois EPA so that we can test and set limits for more harmful chemicals that may infiltrate our public drinking water.
Lastly, I also take great pride in representing nearly 6 miles of Chicago’s lakefront and part of the North branch of the Chicago River. Every year, my staff and I take part in Friends of Chicago Rivers’ annual clean-up day, and I recently attended their inaugural 5k run. I look forward to continued partnership and advocacy, and for discovering new ways to represent the lake and river!
46th Ward Safety Meeting
Caption: Senator Simmons participates in the 46th Ward Safety Meeting at Truman College.
Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a 46th Ward Community Safety Meeting with Alderwoman Clay, Representative Huynh, the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office, and representatives from DFSS and Thresholds. We were able to actively engage in discussions about community safety through small, roundtable discussions. It was great to see both new residents and folks who have lived in the 46th for decades come together and share their questions, concerns, and ideas. In the three years I have been in office, I have been able to bring back nearly $2 million in state dollars to support violence prevention in the 7th District, and will continue to do everything I can to support proven community safety strategies.
Centro Romero Gala
Caption: Daysi Funes, Executive Director and founder of Centro Romero with Senator Simmons at Centro Romero’s 40th Anniversary Gala
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of addressing folks at Centro Romero’s 40th Anniversary Gala. I was able to talk about the integral, healing, and honorable work Centro Romero provides by supporting our new neighbors. In the past year alone, Centro has helped over 7,000 newly arrived immigrants gain stability. My own family was able to settle on the far north side decades ago because of organizations like Centro Romero, and gain benefits, access to legal and literary services, job assistance and more. I am so proud to be a first generation American and to proudly serve as your Illinois State Senator. Thank you to all of the staff at Centro Romero, to Daysi and Diego for including me. I will continue to fight to ensure that every essential human right at the state level including support and resources are available at the state level.
Senator Simmons in the News
- Gov. Pritzker Announces $72 Million in Medical Debt Relief for over 52,000 Illinoisans
- Illinois Announces $72M in Medical Debt Relief for Over 52,000 Residents
- Simmons Celebrates Medical Debt Relief for Thousands of Illinois Residents
- Simmons Legislation Promotes Workforce Recruitment and Retention for Educators and Childcare Providers
Senator Simmons District Updates
Welcoming Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton to Uptown’s Asia on Argyle
Caption: Lieutenant Governor Stratton, owners, and Senator Simmons at Danang Kitchen on Argyle during a small business corridor visit.
Caption: Community leaders from the Uptown Chamber of Commerce, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, and Senator Simmons office with Lieutenant Governor Stratton.
On November 15, my staff and I had a wonderful afternoon guiding Lieutenant Governor Stratton along Uptown’s Asia on Argyle corridor. We had a fabulous lunch featuring central Vietnamese cuisine and top-notch hospitality from owner Sydney Le at Danang Kitchen. We also took time to sit down with the board of directors from Chinese Mutual Aid Association to discuss their legacy of serving the community in the areas of cultural preservation, immigration services, after school care, senior services, small business support, translation services, and community safety initiatives, just to name a few. Collectively, we are dedicated to preserving all cultures along Argyle and every corridor in the 7th District, while at the same time looking for ways we can improve connecting our small businesses and organizations with resources they need.
Partnering to Preserve Housing with Good News Partners
Caption: Heather Saenger, Kelvin Johnson, Senator Simmons, Kenn Johnson, and a future leader meet to discuss support needed for preserving housing in the 7th District.
Last week, I met with Kenn Johnson and Kelvin Johnson from Good News Partners, an affordable housing provider in Rogers Park. We brainstormed how we can preserve critically needed affordable housing in the 7th District, and had an honest conversation about what is needed to make that happen. We know and agree that we need to do everything we can to make sure generations to come can afford to live and raise families in the 7th District.
In the Community
Transgender Awareness Week and Day of Remembrance
Caption: My staff joined the community in celebrating Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20 with a vigil in Andersonville.
As the first openly gay State Senator in Illinois, it is an immense honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with our trans neighbors in the fight for LGBTQ+ justice. In the past week, my office honored those we have lost at Trans Day of Remembrance, and lifted up the community for Trans Awareness Week. Every day, our trans neighbors and siblings contribute so much to our community and raise the visibility of trans members and make sure our trans community is safe, heard and seen. I am especially grateful for trans-led organizations that play such an important role in uplifting transgender youth and making sure everyone feels heard and safe in their own identity and self-discovery journey. Today and always, you are rest assured I am here for our trans community.
Commissioner Morita, 49th Ward, and Rep. Cassidy Turkey Giveaway
Caption: Alderwoman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward handing out turkeys and sides, along with resources from CountyCare.
In time for the holidays, Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita’s Office in partnership with State Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s office, State Rep. Kevin Olickal, Alderman Andre Vasquez, State Senator Ram Villivalam, and County Care hosted a Free Turkey Giveaway event. Their teams along with my staff gave away 200 turkeys, and sides from ChiFresh, a women and minority owned business! Folks were also able to connect with resources, and some of our youngest constituents got coloring books. Thank you to Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, County Care and ChiFresh for hosting and offering free thanksgiving meals!
Interfaith Park Naming Ceremony and Dedication
Caption: Senator Simmons’ office attends a beautiful naming ceremony for Interfaith Park and dedication to Rabbi Herman and Lotte Schaalman.
My staff was so grateful to attend the naming ceremony of Edgewater’s Interfaith Park, and its dedication to Rabbi Herman and Lotte Schaalman. Many thanks to Sandy Chaet for extending the invitation, Cantor Shelly and Rabbi Zedek for co-officiating, and to everyone who attended, including past and present leaders. It was a beautiful, sunny day that provided comfort, community, and music. I am so thankful for our community that recognizes the value and beauty of our religious and ethnic diversity, and in doing so created a space open and accessible to everyone.
McCutcheon Elementary Opens New Curiosity Classroom
Caption: Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Principal Kahinde Longmire, and Simmons’ Staff Gabby Tewodros (Operations & Outreach Coordinator)
Uptown’s McCutcheon Elementary has opened a brand new learning space, the Curiosity Classroom! McCutcheon Elementary had a grand opening of their Curiosity Classroom earlier this month, which is funded by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Gabby, my Operations and Outreach Coordinator also attended the ribbon cutting and Fall Resource Fair to mark the occasion. Congratulations to McCutcheon on their new classroom!
Resources
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
To begin your LIHEAP application for Cook County residents, click HERE.
Court Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) Now Open
The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) is now reopened! I and my colleagues worked hard to secure $90 million in the FY25 State Budget dedicated to addressing homelessness, particularly in our Black and African American communities, with a vast majority of these dollars being dedicated to the CBRAP program. This important program provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction. You can apply online at ilhousinghelp.org. Please call my office if you have any questions about the program or trouble applying: 773-769-1717.
$2.5 Millions in Violence Prevention and Community Safety Grants Now Open for Illinois Nonprofits and Similar Entities
Attention 7th District nonprofits! The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), in collaboration with the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC), is requesting proposals for grants supporting the implementation of a network of support consisting of community-based organizations (CBOs) focused on community violence intervention and prevention in Cook County. The network will deliver on-demand capacity-building services, training, and technical assistance to improve CBOs’ abilities to deliver impactful community safety programs. Eligible applicants include public agencies, non-profit organizations, and other entities headquartered in Illinois. Grants will be awarded using Federal funds through this solicitation for use over a 12-month period. Funding is available for the period from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Applications are due at 2:00 pm CST on Monday, December 2, 2024. Full eligibility and application information is available online linked here.
Illinois Arts Council Offering Cash Grants for Mentors and Apprentices in Folk Arts Mentorship Program
Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Folk Arts Mentorship (FAM) grant supports the mentoring relationship that develops between exemplary practitioners working with dedicated apprentices. This program allows for concentrated study and cultural transmission to preserve traditional practices important to the artists’ community, heritage, and identity. Ethnic, folk, and traditional arts provide meaningful ways for individuals to connect with their past and build bridges to others and their surroundings in the present. Ethnic, folk, and traditional arts are dynamic, reflecting change and individual innovation over generations of practitioners. This is a $4,000 taxable award to the Mentor artist and a $1,000 taxable award to the Apprentice artist. Mentor and Apprentice artists must each submit their own applications.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Full information on the grant is linked here. All applications must be submitted via the applicant's IAC Salesforce account.
Shop Local This Holiday Season!
Show your support for the local Lincoln Square Ravenswood economy on Saturday, November 30, 2024 for another exciting Small Business Saturday in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood! Kick off the day with pictures with Santa, enjoy holiday tunes throughout the day by Victorian Carolers, and end the day with our annual Tree Lighting. Full details at lincolnsquare.org.
Get in the holiday mood with the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly Trolley on Saturday, November 30! From 11am to 5pm on Small Business Saturday (11/30), their free-to-ride trolleys will connect you to hundreds of incredible small businesses and artisans. No stress about parking. No tickets necessary. Riders of all ages are welcome aboard. For full route and details visit ravenswoodchicago.org!
The Uptown Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 10th Annual Winter Walk on Wilson on Friday, December 6th, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:30 PM. This FREE event features sweet treats, warm drinks, and menu samples offered by local Uptown businesses and organizations, live holiday music along the Wilson and Broadway commercial corridors, a pop-up holiday market, and photo ops with Uptown’s own Panda Claus! Full details at exploreuptown.org.
Andersonville Shop Local passports are here, just in time for Small Business Saturday! Start your Saturday at the Swedish American Museum starting at 10 a.m. for custom bouquet designs with Floriography Fellows, offering their stunning custom bouquet designs. If you arrive early the first 100 people to pick up their passport will receive a FREE Shop Small tote—perfect for carrying all your Small Biz Saturday finds! Full details at andersonville.org.
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! If you ever want to reach out to our office, please call us at 773-769-1717, and we will respond promptly. We can also be reached at
