General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
Happy February, neighbors! This past week I have been in Springfield - Governor Pritzker gave his annual State of the State and Budget Address, $1.1 billion in medical debt relief was announced, and I met with many stakeholders and advocacy groups about spring bills.
I held a press conference on Thursday in Springfield to share the good news regarding medical debt relief! With Tuesday’s latest round of relief, the total number of households that have seen their medical debt erased was brought to over 500,000 households with over $1.1 billion of medical debt that has been erased. I am beyond proud to have led the legislation in the Senate in 2024 and to have worked with Governor Pritzker to make this initiative a reality, and I will continue to push for further erasure of medical debt for Illinois households facing medical debt that amounts to 5% of their household income. You can learn more about the initiative via my press conference from yesterday linked here.
In case you missed it, I held an ICE, SNAP, and Policy Town Hall last week at Clarendon Park in Uptown. You can watch a full recording of the town hall linked here, and review a handout from the event linked here that contains pages of pertinent information about SNAP and my 50+ filed bills for this spring session, in particular. Thank you to everyone who came out and asked some great questions regarding potential prosecution of ICE agents and more.
Below you will also find recaps from attending the Equality Illinois Gala, a visit with Loyola University Chicago students who are a part of Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence, and one of my favorite activities of the year - passing out Valentine’s to seniors across the 7th District.
I will be back down in Springfield again next week, and look forward to continuing to get our bills into committees. But before I go back to Springfield, I am looking forward to celebrating Lunar New Year in Uptown and hope to see you at the parade and festivities tomorrow!
With Gratitude,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Legislative Updates
Senator Simmons’ Medical Debt Program Provides Relief for More than 500,000 People
Caption: Senator Simmons holds a press conference in Springfield to announce more than 500,000 residents across the state have had their medical debt erased as a result of legislation he shepherded through the Senate in 2024.
I am so proud to share that House Bill 5290 – the Medical Debt Relief Program, which I passed into law in 2024 has now erased over $1.1 billion in medical debt for more than 500,000 people across the state.
A recent example of medical debt relief is of a woman who shared she was surprised to receive a letter in the mail telling her that her $2,300 of her medical debt had been erased, following a liver transplant about seven years ago. Even with her good health insurance, it was tough to pay the entire out-of-pocket maximum each year, and the bills piled up - but relief came through!
To be eligible for relief, individuals do not need to apply — they must be Illinois residents with a household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, or have medical debts equal to 5% or more of their annual household income.
Households that will have medical debt eliminated will receive notification letters in a branded Undue envelope with a State of Illinois seal. Letters for recipients of the latest round of medical debt elimination are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
I am grateful to the governor’s ongoing commitment to improve health equity in Illinois. In the fall of 2024 we set the goal to surpass $1 billion in medical debt relief. We just hit $1.1 billion in medical debt relief, and we’re just getting started!
Senator Simmons Statement on Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address
Following Governor JB Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Address on February 18, I released a statement regarding the proposed budget:
“The governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget is a good starting point for conversation. As always, I will not support any cuts to vital human services and look forward to a final budget that fully protects people across Illinois who are struggling.
I am encouraged to see $15 million proposed for the continuation of the medical debt relief program I led in the Senate that has already erased $1.1 billion in medical debt for 500,000 households.
Furthermore, I will support a budget that protects and supports our communities and small businesses affected by ICE, fully protects and funds SNAP and Medicaid, and funds solutions toward our state’s housing crisis.”
As the legislative session continues, I will work alongside my colleagues to ensure the final budget reflects the 7th District’s most pressing needs, focusing on healthcare equity, affordable housing supply, and public transit funding.
Senator Simmons in the News
- Illinois erases $1.1B in medical debt for more than 500K residents by Fox 32 Chicago
- Simmons applauds erasure of medical debt for 500,000 Illinoisans, pushes for further funding for program by Illinois Senate Democrats
- Simmons statement on governor’s proposed budget by Illinois Senate Democrats
Senator Simmons District Updates
Senator Simmons Town Hall Recap
Caption: Senator Simmons connects with residents following the ICE, SNAP, and Policy Town Hall to discuss local concerns one-on-one.
Caption: Senator Simmons listens to 7th District residents share their top priorities during the ICE, SNAP, and Policy Town Hall.
On Thursday, February 12, I was joined by over 60 neighbors from across the 7th District at Clarendon Community Center for a Town Hall focused on legislative updates and community priorities.
I provided updates on the 2026 spring legislative session, including over 59 bill ideas currently in development with a strong focus on combating the presence of ICE in Illinois communities, expanding housing access, and protecting your civil rights.
I also shared updates on major legislation that passed during the fall veto session, including the passage of HB1312, also known as SALT ICE or the Bivens Act, a comprehensive immigration and civil rights protection package, and SB2111, the historic transit reform and funding bill that I championed. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions directly and connect with resource providers on-site. I believe these town halls are vital opportunities for real conversation and community engagement.
Check out the full ICE, SNAP, and Policy Town Hall recording available on my YouTube channel linked here. Also, please check out the handout from the town hall linked here that covers SNAP work requirements and information on the over 50 bills I filed this session!
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with 7th District Seniors
Caption: Senator Simmons visits with local seniors to deliver handmade Valentine’s Day cards made by elementary school students from four local schools in the 7th District.
Caption: Senator Simmons at The Breakers delivering Valentine’s Day cards.
This Valentine’s Day, my team and I spent the day honoring the heart of the 7th District: our seniors. We handed out handmade cards and spent quality time chatting over coffee with residents at senior buildings across the 7th District.
I want to thank the community volunteers and supporters who helped create and collect these cards to make these visits possible. The Valentine’s Day card distribution was made possible thanks to elementary school students from McCutcheon, Clinton, and McPherson elementary schools!
Senator Simmons Attends Equality Illinois Gala
Caption: Senator Simmons stands with fellow LGBTQ+ advocates at the 2026 Equality Illinois Gala to celebrate progress and unity.
On January 31, I joined over 1,500 advocates and leaders at the Hilton Chicago for the 2026 Equality Illinois Annual Gala. As the first openly LGBTQ+ senator for the 7th District, I was proud to stand with Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson to reaffirm Illinois as a state where dignity is not conditional. The evening was also a time for reflection, as the community held a moment of silence to honor the legacy of activist Rick Garcia.
Senator Simmons Speaks at Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence
Caption: Senator Simmons stands in solidarity and students and faculty at Loyola University Chicago’s Palm Court.
Caption: Senator Mike Simmons addresses students and faculty during a community conversation.
On January 26, I met with students and faculty at Loyola University Chicago for a community conversation hosted by Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence. We focused on essential legislative efforts like Karina’s Law and the assault weapons ban while also addressing how to stay resilient and motivated in advocacy during times of oppression.
I shared my personal commitment to passing legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of those who would do harm. Another highlight discussed was the $7.75 million in violence prevention funding I have secured for the 7th District over the past three years. I was inspired by the advocacy of the Loyola community and reminded students that their voices are a powerful force for change. The event featured student speakers, a presentation on gun violence data in Chicago, and a group photo on Loyola’s campus in solidarity with survivors and those lost to gun violence.
Important Resources
Important SNAP Update: Changes Started 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.
- At the end of their current enrollment period, SNAP recipients should complete a redetermination application to meet work requirements. SNAP recipients can wait until their current enrollment period ends to meet the work requirements.
- 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: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov
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.
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!
Upcoming Community Events
ONE Northside Parent Mentors
ONE Northside is looking for parents and guardians to join the Parent Mentor Program at several Far North Side elementary schools. Mentors work in the classroom for two hours a day to support students and help close equity gaps. No prior experience is necessary, as all participants receive weekly leadership and academic training. Additionally, mentors receive a $1,500 stipend for every 100 hours of service. If you are interested in making a difference in our local schools, please contact Nellie Moreno at (773) 679-0088 or sign up at bit.ly/ONSParentMentor.
Uptown Lunar New Year Celebrations
Caption: Community members gather at Sun Wah with Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) to celebrate the holiday season and honor local seniors during the Lunar New Year Celebration.
Lunar New Year festivities are underway across Chicagoland as communities celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse! The Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) and other cultural organizations throughout the 7th District will be hosting celebrations that bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to honor this important holiday.
CMAA will host its Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Augustine College. This event serves as a lead-up to the Argyle Lunar New Year Parade which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at Sheridan and Argyle. Attendees can look forward to live cultural performances by CMAA youth, raffle prizes, and complimentary food as we usher in the new year. I look forward to seeing everyone there! For full event information, please visit exploreuptown.org.
Edgewater Kids Activity Open House
On Saturday, February 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce hosts a free open house at the Broadway Armory (2nd floor). Families can explore summer camps and programs from 25 local organizations while enjoying the Edgewater Indoor Market downstairs.
19th District Council — February 23
Join the upcoming meeting of the 19th District Council on Monday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Uptown Church. Community members are invited to learn about violence intervention efforts, share public safety concerns, and receive district updates.
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
