General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
First, I hope this letter finds you warm, healthy, and well. It has been a very cold, very snowy beginning to winter. As we enter the holiday season, I am grateful for the 7th District - for our welcoming spirit, compassion, generosity, and care that we take for one another.
I have historic news to share - in the past week, two major pieces of legislation that I fought hard to pass were signed into law! This week on Tuesday, I attended the long-awaited bill signing of Senate Bill 2111, the transit funding and reform package that establishes $1.5 billion in sustainable revenue and robust reforms of our public transit system in Illinois!
Caption: Senator Simmons at the signing of SB2111 in Union Station this week alongside Governor Pritzker, CTA workers, labor leaders, state, county, and city colleagues.
On Tuesday, December 9, I had the great honor of attending the bill signing of House Bill 1312, aka SALT ICE, which I co-sponsored and fought for, at La Villita Church in Little Village. The room was filled with families and communities impacted by ICE, advocacy leaders and partners, rapid responders, and my colleagues in the state legislature. ICE continues to terrorize communities throughout all of Illinois, and I have witnessed the chaos and violence they have brought with my own eyes. HB1312 allows Illinois citizens and residents to bring civil actions (lawsuits) against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement, including ICE or Border Patrol personnel, requires a 1000-foot zone around courthouses where no immigration enforcement can occur, and requires public higher education to establish procedures when encountering ICE on campus. To read the new law in its entirety, please visit ILGA.gov.
Caption: Senator Simmons attends the signing of House Bill 1312 on December 9 in Little Village.
Additionally, Medical Aid in Dying, SB1950, was signed into law by Governor Pritzker on December 12. This law will allow qualified, terminally ill patients the option to obtain mediation to peacefully end their lives on their own terms and will go into effect September 12, 2026.
I am also excited to see my signature “Pink Mailer” hit mailboxes! This mailer highlights my legislative and budget updates from the last year. If you have not received yours yet or would like more, just contact my office and will be sure to get it to you!
As we prepare to close the district office for a well-deserved holiday break, please take note of important resources below and share them widely. Community warming centers, food pantries, and shelter information is below.
Also, even though SNAP benefits have been reinstated, new eligibility requirements will go into effect beginning February 1, 2026. This means that folks who are adults ages 18-54 with no "dependent" children under 18 and no disabilities will be required to meet new work requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits. Let me be clear - no one should have to prove they need food. Nutritious food is a basic human need, and if you are concerned about these changes and how they affect you or your family, please reach out to my office.
My district office will be closed for the holidays December 22 - January 2 and will reopen Monday, January 5. If you need to reach us, please call us at 773-769-1717 or email
With Gratitude,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Legislative Updates
Senator Simmons Attends Bill Signing for $1.5 Billion in Transit Funding and Reform
Caption: Senator Simmons celebrates the signing of major public transit legislation - a two year work in progress – Senate Bill 2111, into law on December 16 at Union Station.
We have finally done it! On Tuesday, I joined Governor Pritzker, colleagues, and transit workers in Union Station as the Governor signed Senate Bill 2111 into law. With the legislation now signed, the Regional Transit Authority will now begin preparing for its transformation into the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) that will take place shortly after the legislation takes effect June 1, 2026.
Caption: Senator Simmons with the signed copy of SB2111 with fellow Senate Transportation Committee members Senator Guzman, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Villivalam, and Senator Villanueva.
Senate Bill 2111 is the culmination of over 2 years of hard work and successful advocacy from thousands of constituents, like you, who wrote and called my office advocating for funding the transit fiscal cliff.
To recap, we have now officially established $1.5 billion in sustainable revenue and robust reforms, which will allow going above and beyond fully funding and investing in Illinois’ transit systems. The package also includes major governance reforms, such as the RTA transforming into the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA).
NITA will oversee the CTA, PACE, and Metra with centralized capital planning and procurement, eliminating competition between service boards and encouraging collaboration between CTA, Metra, and PACE when developing new stations, train lines, and bus routes. NITA is also authorized to centralize service planning, which will synchronize timetables to allow for seamless transitions between CTA, PACE, and Metra.
Additional abilities granted to NITA include establishing a Transit Ambassador Program with full-time employees trained in de-escalation that will increase safety for passengers by connecting riders to social services and providing customer service on-board buses, trains, and station platforms.
The NITA will also set up a universal fare system, allowing for unified ticketing between CTA, PACE, and Metra, as well as a fare-capping system to prevent riders from overpaying fares. Universal fare, centralized service planning, and $1.5 billion in sustainable annual funding are some of the key factors that will contribute to increased frequency and reliability for buses and trains with the goal of 6-minute headways for CTA trains during the day, 8-minute headways for most CTA bus routes, and a maximum of 15-minute headways all day, every day on all CTA bus routes.
With SB2111 being signed into law, I look forward to maintaining oversight regarding the implementation of the bill. We still have a role to play in making sure this law becomes a reality in a way that truly improves the quality of public transportation, including the safety, timeliness, and cleanliness of our buses and trains. For example, the Illinois Senate will be confirming the Governor’s five appointments to the to-be-established NITA board.
I look forward to June 1st when this bill becomes law, and I will keep you informed on implementation as I learn more. Thank you to everyone who has advocated for saving our transit system over the past two years. To the future of public transit!
Senator Simmons Attends SALT ICE Bill Signing
Caption: Senator Simmons stands with colleagues as Governor Pritzker prepares to sign HB1312 into law at La Villita Church in Little Village.
On Tuesday, December 9th I joined Governor Pritzker and my General Assembly colleagues in Little Village for the historic bill signing of House Bill 1312, a comprehensive immigration and constitutional rights protection package I strongly supported passing in response to ICE raids in Illinois.
Our community was forced to step up over the past few months as ICE invaded our neighborhoods, abducted hard-working Americans, and wrought havoc on otherwise peaceful areas. Just this week we have seen reckless and unlawful actions by ICE. Out there with you all, in Rogers Park, in Edgewater, in Uptown, in Ravenswood, and throughout the entire 7th District, I have seen firsthand ICE kidnapping our neighbors while leaving vacant cars and devastated families behind in their wake of their horrible violence.
House Bill 1312 is a major first step on the long road ahead to rebuild from previous raids and plan ahead for future federal agent operations. A key measure in HB1312 allows Illinois citizens and residents to bring civil actions (lawsuits) against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement, including ICE or Border Patrol personnel. The new law also requires a 1000-foot zone around courthouses where no immigration enforcement can occur and requires public higher education to establish procedures when encountering ICE on campus, among additional measures.
Countering ICE operations will remain my #1 priority for the Spring legislative session. As your State Senator, I cannot sit idly by as ICE continues to terrorize our communities. Holding ICE accountable will be a cornerstone of my Spring legislative agenda.
Medical Aid in Dying Signed into Law
On December 12, Governor Pritzker signed SB1950, Medical Aid in Dying, also known as Deb’s Law, into state law. This law goes into effect on September 12, 2026 and will allow qualified, terminally ill patients the option to obtain medication to peacefully end their lives on their own terms. One of my top priorities as State Senator is that my constituents have access to affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare to help prevent and alleviate suffering as much as possible. However, I respect people's autonomy and ability to make the difficult choice of seeking aid-in-dying medication. This law, requires that patients:
- Are 18+ years old
- Have a terminal illness that will result in death within six months
- Be informed of all end-of-life options, including comfort care or hospice
- Have the mental capacity, confirmed by the physician, to make medical decisions
Make written and oral requests for aide-in-dying medication. The request can only be made by the patient. Surrogate decision-makers, health care proxies, health care agents, nor guardians are allowed to make the request.
Senator Simmons in the News
- Simmons Calls New Transit Law a ‘Big Win’ by Evanston Now
- Pritzker Signs Bill Increasing Immigrant Protections at Illinois Courthouses, Hospitals and More by ABC7
- Chicagoans Gather at Rainbow Crosswalk to Affirm Community Visibility by Windy City Times
- Gov. Pritzker Announces More than $400 Million in Medical Debt Erased Since Launch of Medical Debt Relief Program by The State of Illinois Newsroom
Senator Simmons District Updates
District Office Holiday Schedule
Senator Simmons Joins St. Lucia Celebration of Lights in Andersonville
Caption: Senator Simmons at the St. Lucia Celebration at the Swedish American Museum with young constituents last Saturday, December 13th in Andersonville!
Last weekend I had the beautiful experience of attending the St. Lucia Celebration of Lights at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville. As a community, we welcomed light over darkness, sang songs, ate amazing food, and then went out into the neighborhood to further celebrate the holiday season. I am so grateful that ancient traditions, like St. Lucia, are still celebrated all over the 7th District, and it makes me so proud to serve as your state senator!
St. Ben’s Senior Holiday Luncheon
Caption: Staffers Gabby and Emma help out at the annual St. Benedict Holiday Senior Luncheon and pass out Senator Simmons’ Pink Mailers
Last Sunday the team took part in a beloved annual tradition - the St. Benedict Holiday Senior Luncheon! We loved talking with folks and handing out my Pink Mailer to make sure everyone is connected to my office and state resources. Many, many thanks to St. Ben's student volunteers and all of the community members who gave their time today to bring holiday joy and warmth to our seniors!
Mental Health First Aid Training
Caption: Staff attends Mental Health First Aid training in partnership with Rep. Cassidy, facilitated by the Family Service & Mental Health Center of Cicero.
Last week my district staff, alongside Rep. Cassidy and her team came together to spend the day learning about and certifying in Mental Health First Aid. The course was facilitated by the Family Service & Mental Health Center of Cicero, and is part of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. They learned how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services. If you are interested in this training, please visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
Welcome New Uptown Small Businesses - Piacere Mio and Las Piñatas!
Caption: Uptown’s newest Italian restaurant, Piacere Mio Uptown, 1303 W. Wilson, celebrates their grand opening with a community ribbon cutting.
Caption: Las Piñatas at 1311 W. Wilson celebrates its grand opening!
We love a double small business grand opening! Welcome to Uptown, Piacere Mio Uptown and Las Piñatas (1303 and 1311 W. Wilson) and thanks for including my staff in your ribbon cutting celebration! Both restaurants feature chefs who have been cooking for decades, with Piacere Mio featuring Sicilian cuisine and Las Piñatas offering classic Mexican fare. We tried the food - trust us, it's delicious!
District Office Mutual Aid Update
I want to provide an update about the Mutual Aid/food pantry I have set up in my district office. Since November 1, over 230 people have stopped in to pick up donated groceries and other necessary items like diapers, hygiene products, and household supplies. I cannot overstate my gratitude and pride for the generosity and love our community has shown. Folks have even dropped off toys and clothing. So many of you who have donated didn’t share your name, but I want to thank you.
I also want to share that my office will remain as a mutual aid hub into 2026, but we will be closed for the holiday from December 22 - January 2. If you, or someone you know, needs resources, please check out the following community mutual aid providers:
Care for Real
Cornerstone Community Outreach - 4628 N. Clifton Ave
Food Distribution Hours: Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Nourishing Hope - Sheridan Market - 3945 N. Sheridan
Food Distribution Hours (until capacity is reached):
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Friendship Center - 2711 W. Lawrence
Food Distribution Hours
Monday: 12 – 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 3 – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 12 – 4 p.m.; Hot Meals: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 12 – 4 p.m.
A Just Harvest - 7649 N. Paulina
Community Meal To-Do: Every day, 12 - 2 p.m.
Food Pantry: Wednesdays, 3 - 5 p.m.
Important Resources
The Resurrection Project (TRP) Immigration Justice - Weekly Know Your Rights Trainings
The Resurrection Project trainings are designed to ensure that immigrants know what to do if they encounter ICE or federal agents — from understanding your rights, protecting family members and assets, to getting legal help. TRP hosts ‘Know Your Rights’ trainings in English on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. and trainings in Spanish on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Learn more on their website linked here. You can sign-up for scheduled trainings linked here.
How to Report ICE - DIY Zines
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.
Important SNAP Update: Changes Set to Start February 1, 2026
December SNAP Benefits
Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.
New SNAP ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents)
Work Requirements
Starting February 1, 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption may only receive benefits for three months during a three-year period. That means individuals not meeting the new federal work requirements or otherwise exempt could lose benefits starting May 1, 2026.
Prior to the federal budget bill, ABAWDs were defined as adults ages 18-54 with no "dependent" children under 18 and no disabilities.
But under the new federal guidelines, people in the following categories will also be forced to meet the new work requirements to receive SNAP benefits:
- Veterans
- Individuals who are 55-64 years old
- Homeless individuals
- ABAWDs whose at-home children are 14 years old or older
Changes are set to start February 1, 2026. IDHS has sent initial notices of these federal changes along with a copy of an exemption form, to all current and new ABAWDs.
Warming Centers
Warming centers are now open across the city from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.! Public libraries, park buildings, police stations, senior centers, and community service centers also act as warming centers during times of freeze. For a full map of every warming center, please visit the DFSS website here. Stay warm out there folks!
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
