General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this letter finds you healthy and warm. Before I jump into recapping 2025, I want to take a moment to once again condemn the illegal, violent actions of ICE in our communities, in Minnesota, and across the country, and express deep anger, sadness, and grief for the loss of yet more innocent lives. Eight people have lost their lives to ICE. Eight people should be with us, with their families, with their communities. Many of you have called, emailed, or sent letters to my office calling on me to condemn ICE. I can assure you that you have my support, that I fervently call for ICE to be abolished, and am actively filing more legislation to further combat ICE’s actions, presence, and impact in Illinois. For detailed information on what I am doing, as well as resources for you and your community, I have compiled this resource document. Please take care of yourselves and one another.
2026 is well underway, but I want to take a moment to share highlights from 2025 - an unprecedented year in many ways. Never would I have imagined that as a country and community we would have spent the better part of 2025 mobilizing to protect our neighbors from unlawful kidnappings by ICE and the federal government, that some of our oldest institutions would cave to coercive executive orders, and that we would be establishing emergency mutual aid distribution due to SNAP cuts. All of this is incredibly difficult and challenging, but I remain committed and energized as ever by all of you who have stepped in to lend a helping hand and who have exercised your rights to fight for our freedoms.
In 2025, I am proud to share that I…
- Hosted 10 in-person Town Hall meetings
- Chief-sponsored and co-sponsored 72 bills passed into law
- Welcomed over 280 mutual aid walk-ins to my district office to pick up non-perishable food, diapers, and toiletries provided by 50 generous neighbors
- Received and responded to over 10,000 letters, emails, and phone calls
- Attended 182 community events
My team and I receive unprecedented levels of communication, with the top three topics of 2025 being…
- Transit Funding and Reform
- ICE and Immigration Concerns
- In support of Mental Health Parity
I am incredibly proud of the work I have been called to do as your State Senator. As I returned to Springfield for the beginning of the 2026 Spring Session, I have already filed over 50 bills that include (but are not limited to) further combatting ICE from lawlessly operating in our communities; creating state grant programs to support families, small business owners, and rapid response affected by ICE; expanding protection for our drinking water and waterways; removing AI from rental price fixing and healthcare decisions; and regulating data centers to drive down the cost of monthly energy bills.
In the coming weeks I will be sending more updates that includes a list of bills I am carrying this spring, so stay tuned!
Again, thank you for a 2025 filled with community, strength, and tenacity. I look forward to a strong 2026!
With Gratitude,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
2025 Year in Review
Legislative Updates
Senator Simmons in Springfield for 2026 Spring Session
Caption: Senator Simmons in the Capitol building in Springfield with Senators Porfirio, Cervantes and Halpin.
Caption: Senator Simmons speaks with advocates in the Capitol during the first week of the Spring 2026 session earlier this month.
Caption: Senator Simmons stands in his recently-completed Springfield Senate chamber office.
On January 13 I returned to Springfield for the beginning of the Spring Legislative Session. The week was marked largely by working to finalize drafts of bills that will be filed in the next few weeks, meeting with constituent advocates, and moving into a new office.
I am incredibly proud to serve the 7th District as your state senator, and am committed to filing legislation in direct response to the advocacy and needs of you, my constituents. So far, I have filed over 50 bills this spring. While the number of bills I have filed is prolific, it is also necessary. This moment in history, when our communities continue to be unlawfully and violently targeted by ICE, when access to affordable, quality housing is more difficult than ever, when social safety nets are threatened, when environmental and climate mitigations are being curtailed by the federal government - this moment calls for swift, determined, and collective action.
I have said it before, and will say it again - I am dedicated to co-governance, and bring the issues that matter to you with me to Springfield. As the Spring legislative session gets into full swing in February, I encourage you to follow what bills I file and sponsor at ilga.gov. Please continue to share what is important to you and I look forward to a very productive spring session!
Senator Simmons in the News
- Pace unveils first phase of north division electric bus garage in Lake County by Chicago Construction News
- Illinois House could vote on bill banning rental junk fees this spring by WAND News
- Statewide parking reform sparks mixed reactions by The Daily Northwestern
- State Sen. Mike Simmons to kick off Black History Month with speech at Morton Grove museum
Senator Simmons District Updates
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!
Important SNAP Update: Changes Set to Start Sunday, February 1, 2026
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has some important links and resources to share with you regarding SNAP.
Before the federal budget bill, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) referred to adults ages 18-54 years old, who had no disabilities and no children under 18 living at home. Veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and people who were homeless were exempted from this designation.
The federal budget bill (H.R. 1) changed the definition of ABAWD, dramatically increasing the number of people who must meet or seek an exemption from work requirements. The new definition includes people ages 55-64 years old with no disabilities and people with children at home who are only 14 years or older and does away with the previous exemptions for people who are homeless, Veterans, and youth aging out of foster care.
As a result of new federal policy, on February 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements may only receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period before losing eligibility. In Illinois, the current 3-year period ends December 31, 2026.
That means beginning May 1, 2026, ABAWDs who do not meet or who are not exempt from work requirements could lose benefits.
- SNAP customers can use the ABE: SNAP Work Requirements screener to see if they are subject to, are meeting, or may be eligible to seek an exemption from work requirements.
- Additionally, partners at the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) have created a toolkit to share information via social media, presentations, and flyers. This is meant to be used before February 1. Find it here: GCFD ‘SNAP Rules are Changing’ Advocacy Toolkit
- IDHS will also continue to provide updates with customers and the general public through a variety of channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and their website: illinois.gov
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.
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
