Dear neighbor,

I hope you, your family, and friends have a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season. I wanted to share an exciting overview of my 2021 year in review of service to the 7th District. I recorded a video to recap this year in a little over 2 minutes. Watch here: Sen. Simmons reflects on 2021 and looks forward to 2022.

Sen. Simmons 2021 Recap in 2-ish minutes!

My office and I have made it a top priority to meet you and bring government to the people. We attended over 60 block parties organized by block clubs throughout the District. We joined over 270 community events with constituents and lifted up voices from all across our district in the legislative process. We participated in over 372 meetings to discuss systemic inequities and how we can partner and support community led change. With this outreach, we were able to write a letter  and organize an effort to get the rental assistance program reopended, we organized a welcome drive and collected five pallets of items for our newest neighbors from Afghanistan, and we revamped constituent support through the launch of our texting program to communicate with 80,000 neighbors who need help getting resources such as unemployment asssitance, access to housing, and food assistance to name a few.

This year, I want to thank everyone for opening their arms and welcoming my staff team and I to your events and zooms this year. I am thankful for your warm invitations and the opportunity to build a co-governing office that works for the people who need it. As a long-time resident of the 7th District, I am so lucky and proud to represent a community that takes care of each other, fights for each other, and is one of the most diverse communities in the state.

 My office is working hard for you, and I want to encourage you to continue writing letters, sending emails, and calling us. I always appreciate hearing from you and your voice helps keep our democracy healthy. We are here for you.

Your neighbor,

State Senator Mike Simmons

Sen. Simmons' Community Updates:

Illinois Rental Payment Program Closes on January 9

Don't forget: the Illinois Rental Payment Program closes in less than a month. For future Illinois Rental Payment Program and mortgage assistance program information and updates, please visit https://illinoishousinghelp.org/. If you applied for rental assistance in previous cycles, you are still eligible to apply! Click here to find income limits for your county.

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, provides $42 million in shut-off avoidance for residents unable to pay their water and sewer bills. Residents in need of financial support can visit HERE for more information on how to apply for water and other assistance this season.

Other options to get vaxxed at home!

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s vaccine operations team announced their City’s At Home vaccination program. This has allowed for the City to expand their  At Home vaccination program to seven days a week from 8a.m. - 6:30 p.m. More information below.

Eligibility:
In-home vaccination is available to all Chicago households and anyone over the age of five. Up to 10 people can be vaccinated at a time, so Chicagoans can invite family, friends, or neighbors to their home to be vaccinated together.

Vaccine:
People can choose between the pediatric Pfizer (age 5-11), Pfizer (age 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (age 18 and older) vaccines. Those eligible for a booster can also request a booster dose of Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Gift:
Each person who receives their primary vaccine doses through the City's At Home program is eligible to receive a $100 visa gift card, including children aged 5-11. Gift cards are not offered for booster dose appointments. All incentives for at-home appointments will be delivered by mail, not at the time of the appointment.

Hours:
Appointments are available seven days a week, Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

REGISTRATION:
Call (312) 746-4835 to make an appointment or register using chicago.gov/athome.

                                            In District Vaccine Clinic for Kids!

   On Jan. 7 at the Broadway Armory at 3 p.m., my office, State Rep Kelly Cassidy, and Alderman Harry Osterman are hosting a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine event with Genoa Healthcare. All children ages 5-11 can get a vaccine. I’m excited to wrap up #ChildrenCarryOn with a clinic in the district!

  Sen. Simmons Holiday Hours:
My office at 5533 N. Broadway will be closed from Dec. 20 through Jan. 2. If you need to reach us for immediate assistance, please feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our office line at 773-769-1717. We wish you the best and will see you in person again in 2022.

     Driver's license expiration dates have been extended

Illinois drivers will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses. Get the details at: https://www.ilsos.gov/.          

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 if we can help you with anything.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7^th District