Dear Neighbor,
What a summer it has been so far! I want to give a huge shout out to everyone who made our 2026 Back to School Bash a massive success. Our office partnered this year with Alderwoman Hadden, Representative Cassidy, and dozens of community organizations to hand out over 600 free backpacks, school supplies, BBQ, and a huge lawn party in Willye White Park. So much planning and hard work went into this event, and I was moved by how everyone came together to give our families a strong start to the school year!
Caption: Senator Simmons hands out hundreds of free backpacks at his annual back to school bash, this year in partnership with Alderwoman Hadden and Representative Cassidy in Rogers Park.
I am also very proud to announce that I have secured funding for several projects within the 7th District. Below are some of the wins coming to our community. I wish I could fund every single need in the district. The outreach and advocacy from neighbors, non-profit organizations, block clubs, small businesses, and more have been paramount in advising me on community needs.
Summer naturally puts a spotlight on spending time outdoors, and the 7th District is at perhaps its most glorious this time of year. I recently took a bike ride along the lake to call attention to safeguarding our water resources from pollution and microplastics. Take a look at a video I shot with our intern Max linked here. I also walked with neighbors along Ravenswood Avenue to visit community gardens and discuss expansion of a connected greenway. Keep an eye out in the future for details on public engagement opportunities regarding the future of Ravenswood Avenue’s parkway. Finally, I have personally enjoyed getting exercise by riding my bike across the 7th District every week. If you see me cycling by, feel free to say hi!
I hope you are finding restorative ways to enjoy this summer. Below you will find more updates from my office, upcoming resources - including SBA emergency loan information for homeowners impacted by recent storms, updates about the Illinois FRESH program, as well as community events and resources.
Last, but certainly not least, I am researching, mobilizing, and developing legislation and policy for this Fall and Spring. I remain focused on making sure our schools are fully funded every single year, increasing housing accessibility and affordability, preserving and protecting our natural resources, creating a truly connected statewide/citywide bike grid, and protecting the rights of every neighbor and community from continued threats that ICE and other federal agents pose to our community.
I look forward to seeing you in the community soon. I wish all our students, families, educators and administrators a wonderful start to the new school year! Please reach out to me if you ever need anything via my office at 773-769-1717 or
With Gratitude,
Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District
Legislative Updates
Senator Simmons Announces 7th District Project Funding
I am very proud to announce that I have secured funding for various projects within the 7th District.
- $250,000 - Cornerstone Community Outreach
- $250,000 - Thresholds, The Glen SRO Apartments
- $300,000 - Ravenswood Elementary School, Restrooms
- $500,000 - McCutcheon Elementary School, Gymnasium
- $250,000 - Rogers Park Business Alliance GROW Progresando, Kitchen Incubator
- $250,000 - Care for Real, Building Expansion
- $150,000 - Apna Ghar, Infrastructure Repairs
- $150,000 - 40th Ward/CDOT Flood Mitigation
- $250,000 - 46th Ward Aster Park Improvements
- $260,000 - 49th Ward St. Ignatius Mission Center Food Pantry
- $390,000 - 50th Ward Western Ave Pedestrian Islands & Beacons
- $300,000 - Planning grant for a Citywide Bike Grid across Chicago and surrounding suburbs
- $250,000 - Ethiopian Community Association - After School Programming
- $250,000 - WeRMindstrong, Youth Job Development
- $200,000 - Northside Community Resources, Housing Resources
Senator Simmons Named Citizen Action 2026 Legislative Champion
I am proud to be named a Citizen Action 2026 Legislative Champion in the Senate! Citizen Action Illinois maintains a scorecard that tracks how every legislator voted on priority issues - including healthcare access, environmental justice, consumer protections, and more. From defending reproductive rights to protecting workers, expanding voting access and advancing environmental and disability justice, I am so proud to be recognized for my commitment to choosing people over corporations and right-wing interests. To see the entire scorecard, please visit citizenaction-il.org/scorecard.
Illinois Launches FRESH Program
Illinois has launched the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program to help eligible Illinoisans who lost SNAP benefits due to recent federal work requirement changes.Beginning August 1, eligible individuals can automatically receive a one-time $400 benefit per eligible household member – no application required. Learn more here.
There is no application process for FRESH. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) maintains records of eligible individuals and will contact those individuals directly.If you, a neighbor, or family member need help accessing food, please contact my office at 773-769-1717 or
Senator Simmons Updates
Back to School Bash with Alderwoman Hadden and State Rep. Cassidy
WOW! What a success our Back to School Bash was this year at Willye B. White Park on August 8th! We gave away over 600 backpacks to thousands of families and community members. A huge thank you to generous donors, like Giordano’s, Taste of Peru, Badou for the delicious food, and to Chicago Stars FC for organizing soccer games, to C24/7 Father’s Arms Ministries for inflatables, hot dogs, and burgers, and to over a dozen organizations and nonprofits that table to provide services to our young scholars and their families. Also, shoutout to the Women's Club of Evanston for their help packing backpacks! Thanks to everyone who came out to secure supplies for the year and celebrate Back to School with us!
Caption: State Rep. Cassidy and Senator Simmons hand out backpacks filled with supplies alongside volunteers at Back to School Bash 2026.
Ravenswood Parkways Tour
Ravenswood Parkway refers to the series of connected gardens on the East side of the train tracks along Ravenswood Avenue from Addison to Peterson. I recently toured the gardens with leading community members who have managed the project for years.
Caption, from left to right: Senator Simmons, David Bier (Futurity), Robin Cline and Eden (NeighborSpace), and Randy Neufeld stand in the Winslie Parkway portion of Ravenswood.
We see much potential for Ravenswood to evolve into a fully connected parkway, evolved from the existing gardens and parks that can be found partially disconnected along the avenue. This evolution would require much public input and engagement, so I am starting talks with local leadership on how this discussion could take place. Stay tuned for updates on the Ravenswood Parkway and how everyone can get involved with the future of these gardens.
Know Your Government Series on Social Media
Kenji on my team has been working hard to up our social media game, and he has put together a series of videos to help everyone understand what a State Senator can do for you, how local/state/federal government differs, what an Alderperson does, and more! Check out the first episode of the series on my Instagram and Facebook. Episode 2 and 3 are also out now on my socials.
Protect the Great Lakes Act Reel and Farewell to Max
I am working to pass legislation to tackle the rising problem of microplastics spreading across our waterways. A May 2026 survey by Environment Illinois found microplastics at our very own Montrose beach and in more than 30 popular Illinois waterways across the state. 100% of the sampled Illinois waterways contained microplastics. I am carrying the Protect the Great Lakes Act to address this growing problem. If passed, my bill will mandate consistent tracking of microplastics and PFAS in Lake Michigan by the Illinois EPA and Department of Public Health. This working group will also begin taking steps to eliminate compounds that pollute our fresh water supply. Read more about my legislation linked here, and you can watch a video about the bill created by intern Max Buchko linked here!
Max has wrapped up his Summer internship, and he is headed back to continue his higher education studies in Political Science and Government at University of Southern California! Good luck to Max!
Caption: Max Buchko and Senator Simmons stand in front of the district office at 1040 W Bryn Mawr in Edgewater.
National Caucus of Environmental Legislators: Transit Panel
Caption: Senator Simmons and fellow environmental legislators who attended NCEL this year.
I joined a panel at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) 2026 Annual Meeting that took place in Chicago this year. The panel focused on transit, discussing how a comprehensive regional transit system can lead to better connections for one’s health, the natural world, and economic opportunity. I was proud to talk about the historic investment of $1.5 Billion in annual, sustainable funding that we established for Chicagoland transit. As the Northern Illinois Transit Authority is created and leadership is established throughout 2026, I will practice oversight to ensure this historic investment results in noticeable improvements for the safety, timeliness, and cleanliness of our public transit system.
Energy Affordability and Clean Buildings Roundtable at ICA Greenrise
Caption: Energy affordability panel including clean energy experts and advocates. From left to right: Matt (Buena Park Neighbors), Bela (Green Latinos IL), Abe (IL PIRG), Ryan (IL Green Alliance), and Lesley (Institute of Cultural Affairs).
Connor Bishop, District and Policy Director on my team, joined energy advocates and experts at the ICA Greenrise building last month to discuss energy affordability policy. ICA Greenrise is located at 4750 N Sheridan Rd. in Uptown, and the building acts as a model for how we can lower the carbon footprint of buildings through comprehensive renovation alongside new construction.
Building emissions account for 70% of all carbon emissions in Chicago. To lower these emissions, we must modernize existing buildings at the same time as prioritizing clean energy in new buildings. I will support legislation to support further action on decarbonizing buildings in Illinois, and I will keep you informed on what action I am taking to assist the public in lowering our collective carbon footprint to mitigate climate change and improve public health.
Senator Simmons in the News
- Illinoisans who lost SNAP benefits to get one-time benefit of $400 per eligible household member, WAND News
- Simmons expansion to Jett Hawkins Act protecting religious hairstyles becomes law, Illinois Senate Democrats
- New IL law prohibits private schools from banning religious hairstyles, WAND News
- Illinois foster youth are getting culturally competent hair care—how one business is helping make it happen, The Grio
Trending Topics
Summer is a slower time for constituent messages about legislation and priorities. Please reach out to share your top priorities with me by email (
Important District News
SBA Weather Disaster Loans
In response to severe storms from July 27th, the U.S. Small Business Administration is opening up access to low-interest loans for businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations. If you are looking for financial assistance with property that was damaged by severe weather this Summer, learn more and apply with the link here. Loans are required to be paid back in full with interest, so consider this before taking out a loan.
2026 CPD Superintendent Search Listening Sessions
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) is hosting community listening sessions as the nationwide search for a new CPD Superintendent is underway. Share your thoughts linked here or attend upcoming listening sessions as listed above.
Property Tax Appeal Seminar | Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Need assistance filing an appeal for your property taxes? Attend a seminar being held in Rogers Park at the Chicago Public Library branch at 6907 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60626. You can pre-register with the link here.
Upcoming Community Events
Tour De Border | Thursday, August 27th at 6:30 PM
Next Thursday, join me for a bike ride! In partnership with @evanstontransit and @bikegridnow, we will ride along a planned route, examining the bikeway connections between Evanston/Chicago and discussing how it can be improved with state legislation and urban planning. Meet us at Triangle Park (Hermitage/Juneway Terrace) on Thursday, August 27th at 6:30pm!
Edgewater Music Festival | August 28th-30th, 5 p.m. Start on Friday, Noon Start on Saturday-Sunday
Edgewater’s biggest fest returns Friday, August 28th-Sunday, August 30th with 30+ music acts and 100+ street vendors! Visit the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce's website for more information and to view the full lineup!
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? The Edgewater Chamber is looking for friendly, cool, informative volunteers to staff the gates, greet visitors to the fest, and help raise money at the gates to support Edgewater Music Fest, Edgewater Chamber, Care For Real, and the local Edgewater small business community. Volunteers will be working with security, Edgewater Chamber staff, and volunteers from their official non-profit partner, Care For Real. A variety of shifts are available, if interested sign up here.
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
