General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
As President Trump continues to say he will be sending federal agents and potentially the National Guard to Chicago, I am focused on ensuring that all of our neighbors are prepared for what is to come. As the son of a refugee and asylum seeker, the moment we are living in is incredibly personal. I will not stand idly by and allow for people in America to live in the same fear and oppression my family and so many others fled.
We know what President Trump wants. He wants to manufacture a crisis to retaliate against a city whose people do not support him or his tyrannical regime. Then, after establishing a police force for political theater, Trump will claim he has solved the problem of crime in Chicago.
As Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker have made clear, crime in Chicago has reached remarkable reductions in the past year with the help of expanded violence prevention efforts, including youth engagement programs and the state ban on assault weapons, all of which I have staunchly supported and worked hard to bring to fruition. I actually care about real community safety and peace in Illinois, and we continue to fight for violence prevention resources that actually work.
As we watch closely for updates and prepare for what’s to come, I want to encourage everyone to continue to do what we do best - organize and keep each other safe.
Please take the time to familiarize yourself, friends, and family members with the constitutional and legal rights that every American has. At icirr.org, listed below, and located in my district office (1040 W. Bryn Mawr), you can find 'Know Your Rights' handouts and portable cards available in 16 languages. Please carry around a 'Know Your Rights' card at all times, particularly if you plan on exercising your right to protest. Know your rights to fight back in the best way we have available: the law.
If you need assistance due to ICE detention, please call ICIRR's Family Support Hotline: 855-435-7693. Finally, please reach out to my office if you have any questions: 773-769-1717. We must support each other and our great city of Chicago. Stay safe and look out for one another. I look forward to protesting alongside you.
Below are many additional updates - including a recap of my August Town Hall, my continued push for a special session to address the transit fiscal cliff, my 100% Environmental Scorecard for the fourth year in a row, and highlights of community events like Argyle Night Market, Bike the Drive, and CMAA’s ribbon cutting. Coming up, I’m looking forward to the Oktoberfest Senior Luncheon as well as celebrating 150 Years of Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square.
In terms of upcoming events, I invite you to my upcoming Immigration and Housing Town Hall set for Thursday, September 18th, 2025 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The location will be announced soon via email to those who RSVP, in a future newsletter, and on social media. You can rsvp here: bit.ly/simmonsthsep.
One final call to action: as Weiss hospital continues to struggle to demonstrate competent and responsive leadership, I encourage you to hold them accountable. I am committed to maintaining pressure to bring this safety net hospital back on-line, and if they cannot do it, to look for someone who can.
Please take care of yourself and one another, and I look forward to seeing you around the 7th District!
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
District Updates
Know Your Rights - Prepare for Federal Agents/National Guard in Chicago
‘Know Your Rights’ fact sheets and wallet-sized cards are available in English, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Quechua, Russian, Spanish, Ukranian, Urdu, and Vietnamese at icirr.org/fsn.
Also, check out this printable guides on ‘How to Report ICE’ linked here created by New York City-based illustrator Megan Piontkowski. There is a guide specifically for Chicago and a crafting guide included in the Google folder.
Town Hall Recap - Uplift Community High School
Caption: Senator Simmons shares updates in the Uplift Auditorium.
For our August Town Hall, I brought neighbors together in the Uplift Community High School Auditorium to share a breakdown of the federal budget bill (One Big Bill), my call for a special session for transit, and take questions directly from constituents. Linked here is the full recording of the August 20th town hall at Uplift. Check out the other videos on the channel for full recordings of previous town halls and other events!
First, my team and I prepared a fact sheet that summarizes key aspects of the federal budget bill signed on July 4th:
Fact Sheet - Federal Budget Bill (H.R.1)
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is one of the harshest pieces of legislation ever signed into law. In fact, the law is so bad that the federal government is now trying to rebrand the bill as the “Working Families Tax Cut Bill.” No matter what they decide to call it, the law drives up costs of living and makes it much more difficult to enroll and stay on state programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. As we await further instructions from the Federal government on how provisions such as work requirements for SNAP/Medicaid are supposed to be implemented, I am already considering ways that we can minimize the burden on SNAP/Medicaid recipients.
Please keep an eye out for future communication from my office on the easiest way to meet new requirements imposed by the OBBBA. Work requirements for SNAP are supposed to start in November 2025. Work requirements for Medicaid are not poised to start until January 2027. For all changes, I will keep you updated via my newsletter, social media, and my website.
Caption: Constituents lined up to speak with Senator Simmons.
Weiss Hospital Update
The closure of inpatient and emergency department services at Weiss Hospital due to their ineffective leadership and loss of Medicare reimbursement status remains a major priority for me and my office. In the past week, Weiss and West Suburban CEO, Dr. Manoj Prasad, has communicated to me directly that he plans to appeal the CMS decision to terminate the participation of Weiss as a hospital in the Medicare program. The deadline for Dr. Prasad and Weiss Hospital to file this CMS appeal is September 24.
I, along with my fellow aldermanic, general assembly, and federal counterparts are actively holding Dr. Prasad accountable to follow through on his commitment to filing the CMS appeal and meeting all requirements to successfully reopen Weiss hospital. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our neighboring hospitals, clinics, and organizations who have taken on the burden of providing care to all patients who no longer can be served at Weiss.
As your state senator, I urge you to continue to follow this issue and keep pressure on Weiss Hospital leadership to do right by our community and demonstrate competent leadership that provides regular updates that are honest and transparent. We all deserve a hospital with strong leadership and services, and I am committed to making sure that this happens.
Summer Staff Farewell
Caption: Team Simmons Summer Staff!
Summer is over which means our two Summer interns have to go back to school! Thank you to Elijah and Dohyeon for doing an amazing job in my office this Summer. The two played a major role in researching future policy, crafting transit stories, preparing for town halls, and helping constituents with SNAP/Medicaid cases. Good luck to Elijah who is headed to Northwestern and Dohyeon who is headed back to my alma mater Amherst College!
Transit Updates
Formal Call for a Special Session on Transit
On August 20th, I formally called for a rapid return to Springfield for a Special Session to fund and reform our public transit systems alongside Senator Fine and Senator Guzmán. I am still calling for a special session before the regularly scheduled session starting October 14th. Our transit system needs to be funded and reformed yesterday, not in October.
On October 1st, the Regional Transit Authority will be shifting $74 million from Metra, Pace, and service for riders with disabilities to the CTA. This shift will maintain CTA's service level until mid-2026. However, this shift of money drastically cuts transit services and increases fare prices for riders with disabilities. Starting October 1st, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP) and Taxi Access Program (TAP) that allows riders with disabilities to utilize rideshare services will reduce available rides from 8 rides a day to 1 ride a day for people with disabilities. Additionally, fares for these programs will increase from $2 to $3.25.
As the October session quickly approaches, I will now work to ensure a full funding and reform package is passed as promised. I am still fully supportive of the funding and reform package that passed the Senate in May, HB3438. However, I recognize that the bill may be amended to amend the funding portion while maintaining reform aspects. I will keep you updated with any changes that are made to the proposal.
Finally, I appreciate everyone who continues to write in and call my office to share your support for a Special Session and passing transit funding/reform. I have received over 3,200 emails and phone calls about transit since January 1st, and it has been the biggest issue raised by constituents this year by far. It remains my biggest priority thanks to you, and I will continue to advocate for it as the October session approaches.
Senator Simmons Bikes The Drive
On August 31st, I joined thousands of Chicagoans to bike North DuSable Lake Shore Drive! The Active Transportation Alliance hosts this event every year, and I always have a wonderful time taking over Chicago’s most iconic boulevard with fellow cyclists.
Upcoming District Events
Town Hall on Immigration and Housing
On Thursday, September 18th, I am hosting an Immigration and Housing Town Hall from 6:00 - 7:00p.m. at a location that is TBA. You can RSVP at bit.ly/simmonsthsep.
Transit Town Hall
On Saturday, September 20th, I will be joining a multitude of State and local officials for a State of Transit Town Hall at Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave). The event begins at 12:00 p.m. Please attend to share your thoughts on the transit fiscal cliff. You can RSVP at bit.ly/ath25.
Senator Simmons in the News
Senator Simmons Named Environmental Champion for Fourth Year
For the fourth year in a row, I am thrilled to share that I’ve earned a 100% score on the Illinois Environmental Council’s 2025 Environmental Scorecard! Voting in favor of every environmental initiative has been a privilege and a responsibility I take to heart. This accomplishment reflects my shared commitment to safeguarding our environment and addressing climate challenges head-on! To see all of my votes, please visit ilenviro.org/2025-environmental-scorecard.
News Articles
- Illinois lawmakers call for special session to address $771M public transit shortfall by ABC7 Chicago
- A great day on Argyle: Celebrating new ‘L’ stations, in the shadow of the transit fiscal cliff by Streetsblog Chicago
- Sen. Mike Simmons and Rep. Hoan Huynh discuss how to cut red tape and win funding to save and improve Chicagoland transit by Streetsblog Chicago
- Fiscal differences remain as Illinois lawmaker urges for transit special session by The Center Square
- Bill expanding access to sterile hypodermic syringes, needles awaits Pritzker's signature by WAND News
- Simmons Passes Law to Expand the Definition of Bicycles in Illinois by Illinois Senate Democrats
- Simmons Passes Law to Remove Barriers to Housing by Illinois Senate Democrats
- Doors locked at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Uptown with Medicare funding set to end by ABC7 Chicago
- Weiss hospital to remain closed while Medicare funding cut is appealed. West Suburban Medical also at risk by Chicago Tribune
- As Weiss Memorial Hospital closes, its owner blames previous owners for financial woes by Chicago Sun-Times / WBEZ
- Back to School Bash 2025 by NBC5
- "How Did This Happen?" Anger, confusion, and sadness take root in the early days of Weiss Memorial Hospital's closure by Chicago Health Magazine
- New law expands definition of bicycles in Illinois by The State Journal-Register
- RTA Board shifts $74M from Metra, Pace budgets to CTA as fiscal cliff looms by ABC7 Chicago
- We keep us safe: Trainings, workshops and resources for Chicagoans ahead of Trump’s feds deployment by The Triibe
In the Community
Church of the Atonement Block Party
Caption: The Long Table Block Party on Kenmore by the Church of the Atonement in Edgewater.
On August 23rd, my team and I joined the Church of the Atonement for their 3rd annual One Long Table Block Party! It was a real joy to join hundreds of folks to eat free hot dogs and hamburgers, get your face painted, listen to live music, and lots more fun. It was also a great opportunity to hear from constituents about a variety of topics including pedestrian safety concerns, unemployment coverage, and the importance of rehabilitation programs. I even connected with an unhoused senior who came to our office on Monday to secure housing resources. Shout out to the Church of the Atonement for bringing everyone together and inviting me!
Caption: Team Simmons all set up at the Long Table Block Party.
Last Argyle Night Market of the Season
Caption: Senator Simmons honors the legacy of John “Vietnam” Nguyen at Argyle Night Market last Thursday.
Caption: Senator Simmons enjoys the last Argyle Night Market of the summer.
I attended the final Uptown Argyle Night Market of the season on August 28th, which means Summer is sadly coming to a close. In keeping with tradition, the last night market of the summer honors John “Vietnam” Nguyen, a bright artist who sacrificed his own life while saving a friend from drawing. It was an honor to remember him. I want to extend a special congratulations to Uptown United, and all the vendors and small businesses along Argyle for a successful Night Market season!
CMAA West Ridge Location Ribbon Cutting
Caption: Senator Simmons cuts the ribbon alongside CMAA leadership, staff, and other elected officials last weekend.
Chinese Mutual Aid Association has just opened a brand new community service center in West Ridge! Located at 2424 W. Peterson Ave, this is CMAA’s third center, and it offers services such as small business support, workforce training, adult literacy classes, senior care classes, and youth programming. The new location also expands services for immigrant and refugee families like my own from across the North Side. Anyone can visit CMAA for assistance, no matter your background. Congratulations to CMAA on this brand new facility!
Caption: The new location’s signage is revealed.
Upcoming Events
This Weekend! Edgewater Music Festival
The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, local vendors, and musicians are taking over Broadway and Thorndale Ave for Edgewater Music Fest this weekend, September 5-7! Come out between 5:00-10:00 p.m. on Friday and between 12:00-10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Taste of Uptown
The 9th Annual Taste of Uptown is Wednesday, September 24th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. This event is a restaurant crawl that features small bites and samplings from Uptown eateries, and celebrates Uptown's amazing cultural and culinary diversity. Participants will receive an event passport and stroll from restaurant to restaurant along Uptown's business corridors, enjoying samples at various locations. Visit exploreuptown.org to purchase tickets.
Greater Ravenswood ArtWalk
The Ravenswood ArtWalk (RAW) Tour of Arts and Industry is September 13-14, and is a weekend-long celebration of our local creative community. Stretching from Lawrence south to Irving Park along Ravenswood Ave, RAW features: open studios and galleries, pop-up performances and activations, and an outdoor arts market featuring 80+ local makers, two stages of live music, a pop-up beer garden, kids activities, food trucks, and more. For full information visit ravenswoodchicago.org.
Resources
New Flagship DMV Center Open in the Loop
The Illinois Secretary of State recently opened up a brand new Flagship Center for Illinois DMV services downtown in the Loop at 125 W. Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603. At this new facility, you can obtain a Real ID, apply for a disability placard, renew your license plates, and do almost everything you can do at a DMV facility. I am thrilled that we now have a DMV that is accessible to the 7th District by one trip on the CTA Red, Purple, or Brown Line! You can book an appointment for the facility linked here.
New Illinois General Assembly Website
ILGA.gov is the website for all things related to Illinois legislation, and it just received a massive facelift! You can use ILGA.gov to look up bills, learn about passed legislation, and submit witness slips to share your support or opposition to a bill when it is undergoing consideration by committee! I’m excited for the updated site, and I hope you can utilize it too to track all my legislation.
Senator Simmons: Call for Summer Volunteers!
The summer season is almost here which means many opportunities to volunteer at events or in my district office! Contact my Operations and Outreach Coordinator, Gabby Tewodros, at 773-769-1717,
Equality Illinois LGBTQ+ Resource Guide
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
