General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this letter finds you well! It has been a very intense past few weeks, to say the least. I want to first express my deep condolences to the family, friends, and community of Sheridan Gorman, a young Loyola student whom we lost to senseless gun violence last week. Just this past January, I met with the student group, Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence, where I underscored my history and commitment to fighting for sensible gun legislation and increased funding for violence prevention in our communities. But when we are faced with yet another senseless, deadly act of gun violence in the heart of our community, it is a somber reminder of the hard work that is yet to be done. I If you or a loved one need help finding support as we grieve the death of Sheridan Gorman, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
This past week I was back in Springfield with renewed energy and determination. Highlights include meeting with dozens of constituents and advocacy groups, and hosting a press conference with the AIDS Foundation to fight for an FY27 budget that includes funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.
I also brought forth two bills in committee, Senate Bill 3478 and Senate Bill 3472 which would create a city-wide bike grid network, and fix a technical loop-hole in how we fund behavioral health care in Illinois, respectively. All of this legislative action is deeply supported and informed by subject matter experts who are also constituents, and I am grateful to be carrying this legislation together. On the Senate floor, I was also able to commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa of 1896 in which Ethiopia decisively beat back an invading colonial army from Italy. Watch my full floor speech linked here!
Caption: Senator Simmons meets with Alzheimer’s Association advocates in Springfield this week to bring awareness to the End Alzheimer’s initiative.
While in Springfield, my district staff has been responding to constituent casework and needs, attending community celebrations and outreach events, and providing ongoing mutual aid through our district office. As we are deep into the legislative session, we continue to receive hundreds of emails, phone calls, and letters from constituents advocating for what is most important to you. So, I am excited to share that going forward, in each of my newsletters there will be a section dedicated to the top 3 issues folks write/call in to my office about.
Lastly, a huge congratulations to Timeline Theatre on their grand opening of their 5035 N. Broadway, Uptown location. Their new, forever home is an anchor in the community and a commitment to preserving and telling stories. Productions start soon and I encourage you to check out all they have to offer! I am so proud to have fought for and secured $500,000 in state capital funds to assist Timeline and help anchor Uptown with a new cultural institution!
Lastly, this coming Monday, March 30 Chicago Therapy Collective is hosting an LGBTQ+ Virtual Town Hall focused on LGBTQ+ mental health policy and legislation impacting communities across Illinois. I look forward to participating and encourage you to learn more here.
More soon, and thank you to everyone who has contacted or stopped by the office to say hello, drop off mutual aid donations, share an idea, or ask for help! As always, you can reach us at 773-769-1717 or
With Gratitude,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Legislative Updates
Senator Simmons Carries HIV Care and Prevention Funding for Fourth Year in a Row
Caption: State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by legislators and advocates from the AIDS Foundation Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to rally behind Senate Bill 2814.
This past Wednesday, I was proud to stand for the fourth year in a row, with the AIDS Foundation Chicago in a press conference to announce and fight for my budget proposal bill, Senate Bill 2814, that would bolster HIV and AIDS services in Illinois amid federal health care cuts, and help us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030. Through the work of providers, advocates, and people living with or vulnerable to HIV, we have made real progress towards meeting that goal.
But progress like this does not happen by accident and it does not sustain itself. SB2814 is designed to invest in prevention, ensure access to treatment, support community-based providers, and address health inequities head-on. These investments will help stabilize our HIV care system, protect access to lifesaving services, and keep Illinois on track to meet the goals of the Getting to Zero 2.0 Plan. I look forward to advancing this bill during budget negotiations, and ensuring those living with HIV and AIDS have access to the care they need to live a healthy and dignified life.
Senator Simmons and Bike Grid Now Advocate for City-Wide Bike Grid
Caption: Senator Simmons and advocates with Bike Grid Now provide subject matter testimony in support of creating a city-wide bike grid for Chicago and all surrounding suburbs.
On Wednesday I was proud to bring forth a bill in committee, SB3478, in partnership with Bike Grid Now. This bill would direct the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (previously IDOT) to develop and submit a plan to the General Assembly for a citywide Chicago bicycle grid network made up of designated streets that could prioritize cyclist and pedestrian safety through safe street treatments, including protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and any infrastructure CMAP identifies. We deserve a fully-connected, safe, and equitable bike grid in Chicago and I look forward to advancing this legislation! I especially enjoyed lifting up in the committee hearing the newish greenways we have in the 7th District along Leavitt Street, Winnemac Avenue, and the new protected bike lane along Pratt Blvd near Ridge Blvd! It’s time for a citywide bike grid!
Senator Simmons Advocates for Funding Behavioral Health Providers
Caption: Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital provides crucial mental health care for the 7th District and surrounding communities.
On Wednesday, I was pleased to present my bill, Senate Bill 3472, to the Appropriations: Health and Human Services committee. This bill addresses an unintended gap in funding for hospitals that step in to reopen and modernize existing facilities—as Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Uptown, did when they purchased the shuttered Chicago Lakeshore Hospital in 2021. Under current law, certain Medicaid supplemental payments for psychiatric hospitals are tied to 2019 data. However, new ownership is excluded from this funding simply because of when ownership changed. This bill offers a straightforward fix. It allows successor facilities to use existing historical data so they are treated the same as other hospitals providing the same care. I look forward to advancing and passing this bill to further protect crucial mental health services in the 7th District!
Advocates, Constituents, and Friends in Springfield!
I love meeting with folks who come to Springfield to see their government in action. Thank you to everyone who took time and effort to visit and advocate for the issues near and dear to you! Your voices have been heard, and I look forward to carrying your stories and lived experiences with me as I carry and vote on upcoming legislation
Caption: Senator Simmons outside the Senate chamber with young people representing Palenque, a catalyst for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities and allies.
Caption: Senator Simmons meets with advocates with Chicago Coalition for the Homeless in the rotunda in Springfield.
Caption: Meeting with advocates representing the Respiratory Health Association in the capitol building.
Caption: Senator Simmons meets outside his Springfield office with advocates for suicide prevention.
New Section!
Trending Topics
Every week my office receives hundreds of phone calls, emails, and letters from constituents communicating what issues matter most to them, their ideas, and legislative requests. In this new section, Trending Topics, I will share the trending correspondence issues our office has received from 7th District constituents since the previous newsletter. I think it is important for everyone to know what issues are important to one another, as well as my responses!
- 193 supporting the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act (HB2723/SB2462)
- 137 supporting the Passenger Rail Planning Act (HB4279)
- 117 supporting the Building Remedies to End Abusive Tear Gas & Harmful Exposures (BREATHE) Act (HB5553/SB4045)
Senator Simmons in the News
- 49th Ward Hosts First Town Hall of Year as Resource Fair, Loyola Phoenix
- Senator Simmons and AIDS Foundation Chicago Urge Investments in HIV Care and Prevention, Illinois Senate Democrats
- In the Spotlight - Care at Risk, Politico
Senator Simmons District Updates
Timeline Theater Grand Opening!
Caption: Chief of Staff, Heather Saenger and Outreach and Operations Coordinator, Gabby Tewodros celebrate the opening of Timeline Theater’s new location
Last Saturday, my staff attended the grand opening of Timeline Theater’s new location in Uptown right at 5045 N. Broadway and Argyle. After a decade they have found their forever home! I am proud to have secured $500,000 in State funding in support of Timeline Theater. I highly encourage you to attend shows which begin in May. We love Timeline’s take on performance through storytelling, music, and history!
Upcoming Community Events
CTC Trans Day of Visibility Upcoming Townhall
This Monday, March 30th join Chicago Therapy Collective for a virtual Townhall in honor of Trans Day of Visibility from 6 to 7:30pm. Scan the QR code or register at TVDOVTOWNHALL.EVENTBRITE.COM for the zoom link. Join community leaders and elected officials to discuss how we are working to ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community have access to affirming and affordable mental health care.
Sunnyside Mall 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt — Sunday, March 29
This Sunday, March 29 at 11am, spring is officially arriving in Uptown! The Sunnyside Gardeners and My Art House Studio are bringing the neighborhood together for a candy-free Easter Egg Hunt at Sunnyside Mall (4455 Malden St.) with special surprises, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, music, crafts, and activities for kids of all ages. Free to attend with a suggested $10 donation at check-in. Don’t forget to bring your own basket and RSVP so the Easter Bunny knows how many eggs to hide!
Easter Yappy Hour — Friday, April 3
On Friday, April 3, from 4–7pm, we’re calling all dog lovers in the 7th District! Trading Post Pet Supplies (4747 N. Clark St.) and Chicago Pet Club are teaming up for an Easter-themed Yappy Hour. Enjoy a dog friendly egg hunt, photo booth, gifts, and more. Well behaved pups are welcome under their owner’s supervision. Free to attend. Come celebrate the season with your four legged family member!
Free Shredding Event — Saturday, April 18
On Saturday, April 18, the 40th Ward Alderperson Andre Vasquez is hosting their semi-annual free spring shred event at 5333 N. Western Ave (Streets and Sanitation Forestry Lot). Bring your confidential paper documents and help keep them out of the wrong hands. The Sheriff’s office will also be on-site collecting unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, which is so important for keeping our waterways clean and protecting our neighbors from accidental drug poisoning. The event runs from 11 am to 2 pm, but please note that vehicles may not line up before 10:30 am. Contact Santos Moreno at
Earth Day Park Cleanup — Saturday, April 18
On April 18 from 9 am to 12 pm, Chicago celebrates the 41st anniversary of its citywide Earth Day park cleanups, and we want to see our neighbors show out! Volunteers will gather at parks across the city to pick up litter, mulch trees, and green our beloved community spaces. No experience is needed, just show up and dress for the weather. Materials are provided and all ages are welcome.
Register or sign up to volunteer at chicagoparkdistrict.com/earth-day, bring a neighbor, and let’s make our parks shine!
SSA #26 Commission Meeting — Wednesday, April 22
Staying engaged with what's happening in our community matters, and this is a great opportunity to do just that. The Special Service Area #26 Commission meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce office (1210 W. Rosedale). Email
Where Wings Meet Water: Free Immersive Art Exhibit
From April 19 to 30, a free, all‑ages immersive outdoor art experience will take over Montrose Harbor (315 W. Montrose Harbor Drive). In partnership with Sail Her Dreams, Great Lakes Sailing, and LivingGallery, local and international artists will transform our lakefront shoreline with large scale installations and interactive works inspired by movement, nature, and exploration. Free and open to all!
Free Tax Preparation at Truman College
Tax season is here, but you don’t have to navigate the paperwork alone. Ladder Up is offering free tax preparation services at Truman College (1145 W. Wilson Ave.) for households earning $40,000 or less annually. This service runs through April 15, 2026, with a variety of hours to fit your schedule: Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm, evening hours Monday through Wednesday from 5 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm.
No appointment is needed, but the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is highly recommended to arrive early before the doors close for the day. Be sure to bring your photo ID, Social Security or ITIN card, W-2s, and any relevant tax documents. For a full list of what to bring and additional locations, visit ladderup.org/our-services/tax-assistance/ or call (312) 409-1555.
Important Resources
Important SNAP Reminder: 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.
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
