General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you have had a great week so far. For so many, the times we are living in seem uncertain and chaotic at best, but I have been so encouraged and lifted up by our communities consistently coming together to keep one another safe, cared for, protected, and informed. Whether it is coordinating workshops to make sure everyone knows their rights when it comes to immigration and unlawful ICE deportation, making sure their neighbors have enough food to eat or a ride to the doctor, or taking the time and effort to host block parties (joy is resistance), I see you, and appreciate you. Let’s keep up the momentum!
I have a lot to share - first, to learn more about how to support our immigrant neighbors and build rapid-response networks, I encourage you to register for Saturday’s Community Defense Workshop hosted by the 40th Ward and dozens of community leaders.
Also, thank you to everyone who signed up for Mobile DMV services on October 3 - all the time slots are full! If you still need help connecting with the Secretary of State for license or vehicle registration services, just contact my office.
Below you will also find a crucial update in the Weiss Hospital situation - On September 23rd, CEO Dr. Manoj Prasad filed a request for an appeal to CMS, the first step in moving toward reopening the hospital. Full details and a live interview on the subject with WTTW are below.
On September 18th, over 80 folks came out to attend my Town Hall on Immigration and Housing. I’ll be the first to admit - talking about how to protect our neighbors against unlawful ICE arrests and deportations is difficult and hard. I am so glad we came together to share facts and resources. Addressing everyday life issues, like double–digit rent increases and housing scarcity is a continual priority for me, and I truly value everyone’s thoughtful questions, advocacy, and commitment to co-governance.
There is so much to update you about - I participated in “A Day in the 46th Ward,” with Alderwoman Clay, Mayor Johnson, and community leaders, celebrated the ribbon cutting of Hope Abortion Clinic in Uptown AND the new Advocate Illinois Masonic patient pavilion, participated in a transit town hall with Senator Villivalam and alders at Truman College, and attended the 50th Anniversary Illinois Environmental Council Leadership Dinner. Serving as your 7th District State Senator definitely keeps me busy but I love it. I look forward to seeing you at this weekend’s Applefest in Lincoln Square!
As always, please take care of yourself and those around you. If you need help - don’t hesitate to reach out. My office and I committed to serving you and you can reach us at 773-769-1717 or
Sincerely,
Senator Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Important Events This Week
Saturday, October 4
ICEBreakers Community Defense Workshop at Mather High School
Join me for an ICEBreakers Community Defense Workshop led by the 40th Ward on Saturday, October 4th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Mather High School (5835 N Lincoln Ave).
This workshop is an important step in supporting our immigrant neighbors and building rapid-response networks. Whether you signed up for Rapid Response, Mutual Aid, or simply want to learn how to stand with our community, your presence matters. Register here!
In preparation, you can still:
- Attend a Know Your Rights (KYR) training so we can ensure that we are all educated and ready to take action! Sign up for an upcoming training with TRP.
- Join the ICIRR Eyes on ICE text alert system (text “start” when prompted).
- Save the ICIRR hotline number (855-435-7693) for assistance or to report verified ICE activity!
- Share Know Your Rights resources with your local community -- at your school, church, business, or other locations.
FULLY BOOKED
Mobile DMV at Budlong Woods Library
Thank you to everyone who registered for the Mobile DMV event. We were able to provide 42 ID's! If you were not able to schedule an appointment but need a license, REAL ID, or vehicle registration services please contact my office and we will help you get the services you need. If you are a senior, there are walk-in Seniors Only DMV Locations available to serve you - click here to see each location and service.
Senator Simmons Updates
Hope Clinic Ribbon Cutting
Caption: Senator Simmons celebrates the opening of Hope Abortion Clinic in Uptown medical staff, Ald. Angela Clay and Rep. Hoan Huynh.
The promise Hope Clinic provides is that “where there’s choice, there’s Hope.” I am incredibly proud that Illinois continues to lead in reproductive health care and rights, including access to abortion, and was honored to join Hope Clinic as they celebrated the opening of their Uptown location. During the ceremony, they shared that so far their clinic has provided care for patients from 19 states. I can attest to this - my office has seen an increase in medical refugees seeking healthcare in recent months, and I am committed to making sure Illinois has the resources it needs to provide care to anyone who needs it.
Immigration and Housing Town Hall Recap
Caption: Constituents queue outside Swedish American Museum to attend Senator Simmons’ Immigration and Housing Town Hall on September 18. Photo Credit: Starbelly Studios
Caption: Senator Simmons addresses immigration and housing to a room of over 85 people at his town hall on September 18. Photo Credit: Starbelly Studios
Caption: Senator Simmons gives an interview with ABC7 at his town hall. Photo Credit: Starbelly Studios
Two weeks ago I held my monthly Town Hall at the Swedish American Museum, and specifically addressed Immigration/ICE and Housing. Over 85 concerned and engaged constituents came out to learn about my stances on immigration, ICE, and how to mobilize as a community to support and protect one another.
I shared how to identify and report ICE agent presence, the illegal use of the National Guard in L.A. and how that informs our response in Chicago. I also addressed the ongoing housing crisis where renters have seen double digit rent increases and homeownership is out of reach for most.
I shared my housing plans for the upcoming legislative session, including fighting for my bill, the Rental Fee Transparency Act, HB3564, as well as a pair of bills that I am developing that will protect renters by clarifying what can be charged as rent and another that will provide more assistance for first-time homebuyers.
You can view the entire recording on my YouTube channel, and view the 8-page document that summarizes the presentation here. A very big thank you to the Swedish American Museum for generously hosting, and to all of our volunteers who helped set up, check folks in, and take care of every detail. I appreciate you all so much!
Weiss Hospital Files Appeal to CMS Medicare Termination
On Monday, September 22, in solidarity with elected officials, community leaders, Weiss staff and patients, I demanded at a press conference on the steps of the Weiss emergency room that Dr. Manoj Prasad made good on his promise to file an appeal with CMS to reopen Weiss Hospital before the 60 day deadline.
Caption: Senator Simmons speaks at a press conference in partnership with Northside Action for Justice, the Vietnamese Association of Illinois, Representative Huynh, and Weiss staff and patients demanding that an appeal be filed to CMS.
When our mighty community comes together we determine our future. Less than two days later, and just minutes before I went on the air for a live interview with WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight - Black Voices,” I was notified by Senator Duckworth’s office that Dr. Prasad had indeed filed a CMS appeal to request a reinstatement of Weiss’ Medicare status, laying the groundwork to reopen the hospital. A hearing for the appeal has been assigned to a federal Administrative Law Judge. We do not yet know when this hearing will take place, but I will keep everyone updated as we have new information to share.
Caption: Senator Simmons with community members Wilma Pittman and Lilly Le, just moments before a live interview with WTTW to discuss the closure of Weiss Hospital.
This is a step in the right direction - and while it is still crucial and necessary to hold Weiss Hospital accountable through the appeal process, future inspections, building improvements, re-hirings, and community engagements, we are encouraged. I am SO PROUD of our community. We are going to continue to demand a hospital that we deserve.
A Day in the 46th Ward with Mayor Johnson
Caption: Senator Simmons joins Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Clay, community leaders and owner of Nabala Cafe for “A Day in the Ward,” on September 17.
In mid-September I had the absolute pleasure of joining Mayor Johnson and Alderwoman Clay for a “Day in the 46th Ward,” a day of showcasing community in our beloved Uptown, visiting the gifts and spaces it has to offer the city and the world.
We visited Nabala Cafe, got an exclusive tour of the Uptown Theater, and ended our time at the Clarendon Park Community Center where we had a discussion with community leaders and held a press conference.
It is SO important for us to spend time with our small businesses, our community centers, and our arts spaces and truly show receipts on what it means to invest in our communities.
Caption: Senator Simmons with Commissioner Boatright, Jerry Michelson, Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Clay, and Robert Loerzel.
Illinois Masonic Hospital Ribbon Cutting
On September 15th, I joined Advocate Health Care and local leaders for a ribbon cutting of their brand-new $645 million tower that includes over 330,000 square feet of fully private patient rooms, new mother/baby suites, state-of-the-art operating rooms, 2 floors of medical-surgical beds, a surgical and medical intensive care floor, and expanded cardiology and outpatient cancer services. I am very excited to see how this beautiful building will serve as a healing center for generations of North side Chicagoans to come!
Aldermanic Truman Transit Town Hall Recap
Caption: The Aldermanic Transit Town Hall held on September 20 at Truman College.
Late last month I participated in an Aldermanic Transit Town Hall held by Senator Ram Villivalam at Truman College. This town hall helped us connect with the 40th, 46th, and 48th wards, and to give them an update on the state of transit in Illinois.
I am proud to share that I voted in support of House Bill 3438, a transit package that includes comprehensive reform of our transit systems while establishing revenue streams that would entirely fund the $770 million fiscal cliff and more. HB3438 passed the Senate on Saturday, May 31st with a 32-22 vote. The bill is now under consideration by the House. I fought vigorously and passionately to pass HB3438 out of the Senate before the end of session. Transit users and employees should not have to wait in anxiety, anticipating cuts to our transit system.
The October Veto Session is set for October 14-16th and 28-30th. I am hopeful the House will pass the transit funding and reform package during Veto. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, my colleagues and I have done the work to make House Bill 3438 the bill that will properly fund and reform our transit systems. I have hope the House will take up this crucial piece of legislation during the Veto session. To help make sure this bill passes, please contact your State Representative to share your support for HB3438.
Illinois Environmental Council Gala
I attended the Illinois Environmental Council’s 50th Anniversary Environmental Leadership Dinner on September 19th. IEC does such amazing work advocating for policy that values public health, plants, animals, and our environment first and foremost. Congratulations to IEC for 50 years of advocacy! I look forward to achieving a IEC 100% pro-environment voting record again in 2026 as I have every year from 2022 to 2025!
Senator Simmons in the News
- Weiss Hospital Owner Appeals Medicaid Funding Cuts as Activists Push for Facility’s Reopening by WTTW - PBS
- Uptown community groups demand action to reopen Weiss Hospital by WGN
- Community activists, lawmakers demand reopening of Uptown's shuttered Weiss Hospital by ABC7 Chicago
- In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons: Some Illinois advocates, experts argue for statewide e-bike and e-scooter regulations by WBEZ
- Chicken soup for the CTA rider’s soul: While the transit agency is standing on the verge of a budget crisis, positive vibes at town hall by Streetsblog Chicago
- A transit fiscal cliff town hall double-header: Wicker Park and Uptown by Streetsblog Chicago
- Map Shows States With Laws Limiting ‘Junk Fees’ for Renters by Newsweek
- Villivalam invites residents to a transit town hall by Illinois Senate Democrats
- Illinois law will improve access to hypodermic needles, syringes January 1 by WAND News
7th District Updates
LIHEAP is Now Open and Accepting Applications
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. LIHEAP is now open as of October 1 for older adults (age 60 and older), individuals with a disability, households with at least one child age 5 years and under, households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, households that have a disconnect date within 7 days, or households that have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying on November 1, 2025.
If your household's combined income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income, before taxes are deducted) is at or below the 60% state median income, you may be eligible to receive help in paying for your energy bill. If you rent, and your heat is included in the rent, you may be eligible for a LIHEAP benefit.
For help applying to LIHEAP, please contact our community partner, CMAA (Chinese Mutual Aid Association) at 773-384-2900 ext. 107, or our office at 773-769-1717. Visit the DCEO website linked here for more information about LIHEAP.
Congressman Quigley Senior Resource Fair and Vaccine Clinic
Caption: Heather Saenger, Chief of Staff, Congressman Quigley, and Gabby Tewodros, Outreach and Outreach Coordinator at the Senior Resource Fair and Vaccine Clinic at the Northeast Levy Center last week.
Last Thursday my staff participated in Congressman Quigley’s Senior Resource Fair and Vaccine Clinic at the Northeast Levy Center. They handed out hundreds of drawstring backpacks filled with collateral that connects folks with Medicaid, transportation, SNAP, fraud prevention resources, and one-on-one case management. We were so happy to bring our services into the community, and sincerely thank the Levy Center and everyone who participated for helping us take care of our seniors!
Mobile City Hall
Caption: Operations and Outreach Coordinator, Gabby Tewodros, and volunteer, William, with City Clerk Anna Valencia at the Mobile City Hall last month.
On September 17th at the Broadway Armory in Edgewater, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia hosted a Mobile City Hall event! Local community organizations, county and state departments all tabled as well as provided services such as getting a City Key, residential parking permits, dog licenses, and city stickers. Thank you for hosting us!
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
