General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you had a good week. I will be honest - the news cycle has been intense since my last newsletter just 6 days ago. In the face of national political violence, increased ICE presence in Chicago, and the coming impact of federal cuts to funding across many sectors, I know it is a stressful time. I want to commend everyone who is safely exercising their first amendment rights to peacefully protest against federal agents descending on Chicago and the surrounding area. I remain steadfast in continuing to fight for real community safety and peace in Illinois, and implementing violence prevention resources that actually work.
Also, I commit to you all to continue to hold regular town halls to address issues affecting the 7th District. I invite you to join me this coming Thursday, September 18 from 6 - 7 p.m. for an in-person Immigration and Housing Town Hall at the Swedish American Museum located at 5211 N. Clark in Andersonville. I will share important immigration resources, address ICE presence and the potential for federal agents in Chicago. I will also talk directly about housing, as it continues to be the number one issue that my office fields. You can expect to hear updates from me about the housing shortage supply, rent increases, legislation I am carrying this year on housing, including HB3564 which will protect renters from egregious rental “junk” fees, as well as important updates on LIHEAP. I look forward to seeing you, please rsvp here: bit.ly/simmonsthsep.
As a reminder, if you need assistance due to ICE detention or spot ICE agents in our community, 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.
As much as you are able, please take stock of your wellbeing and do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need help with wellness, health, mental health, or any other resource.
Below includes the latest development regarding Weiss Hospital, what you need to know about LIHEAP, and continued immigration resources. Please take care of yourself and one another, and I look forward to seeing you at my Town Hall on Thursday!
Sincerely,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
District Updates
7th District Immigration and Housing Town Hall
Thursday, September 18 from 6 - 7:00 p.m.
RSVP: bit.ly/simmonsthsep
Weiss Hospital Update
In last week’s newsletter, I shared that Weiss Hospital has until September 24 to file an appeal to federal CMS, which if approved, would allow them to take steps to reopen.
This week, my update is that I can confirm that the $4 million in safety net funding that was secured in the current FY26 budget will not be released until Weiss successfully files an appeal to CMS. The state of Illinois, by law, cannot release funds for any entity that is under CMS termination.
My colleagues and I look forward to Weiss’ appeal submission to CMS. I will continue to keep everyone updated as we have new information to share, and I want to continue to ask for your support in holding the hospital CEO Dr. Manoj Prasad accountable to follow through on his commitment to filing the CMS appeal and meeting all requirements to successfully reopen Weiss hospital.
LIHEAP Update
LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a federally funded program that helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services. This is a very popular federal program utilized by 7th district residents, particularly our seniors. On April 1, 2025 the Trump administration fired the entire staff in charge of administering LIHEAP along with 10,000 staff members in the U.S. Department of Human Services.
I am concerned that this mass firing jeopardizes the LIHEAP program. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has started advertising the program for this year with applications slated to open October 1st, 2025. I am in communication with DCEO to understand the state of LIHEAP, and support any measures we need to take to make sure the program operates normally over its usual Fall/Winter application and issuance season.
Visit the DCEO website linked here for more information about LIHEAP. I will communicate updates via social media as I work with DCEO to realize the status of the program!
Upcoming District Events
September 20 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.
Resources
Know Your Rights
‘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 guide 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.
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
