General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

     Before we continue to push for progress in 2025, I wanted to share everything we accomplished together in 2024. This newsletter contains a complete rundown of our accomplishments in 2024, including statistics on my legislative and outreach efforts. From passing 83 bills (which includes bills I authored, Chief-Cosponsored or Co-Sponsored) to attending 294 community events in 2024, I am as committed as ever to fighting for you in the Illinois Senate and connecting with you out and about in the 7th District.

     Looking to the future, I stood with colleagues to introduce the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, a new piece of legislation that would prohibit Illinois’ major retirement systems from making new investments in fossil fuel companies. We must take action to reduce the State’s investment into fossil fuels, and I am proud to be leading efforts to divest from the fossil fuel industry. 

     I am also committed to advocating for and protecting our migrant neighbors from the oppressive efforts of the current federal administration. I recently sent out a Know Your Rights/Conozca sus Derechos newsletter including important information for neighbors at risk. Please take a moment to review this newsletter whether you think you are at risk or not. Every member of our community has rights that must be recognized—regardless of immigration status—and everyone should be aware of these rights to help protect one another.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Dear Neighbor,

One of the most beautiful things about the 7th District is that it is home to people from all over the globe. Our diverse range of backgrounds are a gift, which is why I want to share that I know that having ICE raids in our communities and neighborhoods is scary and stressful. I want to let you know that I and my office are here to provide help and assistance where we can and encourage everyone to know your rights under Illinois law. Below are laws in place which help protect against unlawful harassment and racial profiling. I also encourage you to visit these trusted resources: icirr.org and immigrantjustice.org. 

The Illinois Trust Act and the VOICES Act protects all residents from warrantless arrest in a variety of safe spaces, including churches, schools, hospitals, and group homes.

Additionally, immigrant-rights experts are reminding residents to: 

• Refuse to open the door to their home unless presented with a warrant signed by a judge.
• Exercise the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
• Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney.
• If detained, get a lawyer trained in immigration law. Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights helpline at 1-855-435-7693 to connect with experts in immigration law.

The 7th District is, and always will be, home to people from all over the globe. My office and I are dedicated to helping where we can. For anyone who needs resources in additional languages, please reach out and my office will help make those available. You can reach us at 773-769-1717 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sincerely,




Senator Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you have had a wonderful holiday season and new year’s with family and friends. I started the year back in Springfield for the Lame Duck session running from January 2-7. The Lame Duck session is the final days of a General Assembly where legislators finish passing legislation before a reset of all legislation and those elected in November start their term on Inauguration Day.

I am thrilled to share that during Lame Duck, major pieces of legislation that I introduced and have been fighting for passed and will now be signed into law. The Safe Public Drinking Water Act (Senate Bill 727), as well as Senate Bill 899, a major traffic safety improvement bill both passed. Additionally, Karina’s Bill, of which I have been an outspoken advocate and co-Sponsor, has now passed the House and Senate. This bill empowers law enforcement to grant more protection to survivors of domestic violence and save lives.You can read about more details on these bills below. Additionally, the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act passed both chambers, a bill that I was proud to co-sponsor that will make it easier for children in foster care to live with their relatives or other people close to them. All of these new laws will make an immediate impact on the lives of folks living in the 7th District and throughout Illinois. To everyone who tirelessly advocated, wrote letters, attended rallies, did research, and shared your stories - thank you. We did it together and I am honored to have passed laws that come directly from our community.

Finally, on Wednesday, January 8, I was inaugurated into my third term as your 7th District Illinois State Senator. It is a towering honor to be given the opportunity to continue to serve you, and I am already hard at work for the upcoming four year term.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Letter from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

Tomorrow, December 17, as Chair of the Senate Human Rights Committee, I am holding a subject matter hearing on the topic “Housing as a Human Right,” at 10 a.m. I invite you to tune in via the Senate website, at ilga.gov. This hearing will include direct testimony from constituents and advocacy groups within the 7th District, and I invite you to listen in. 

I am holding this hearing in direct response to so many of you reaching out to my office to share your challenges in finding accessible, affordable, and habitable housing. Subject matter hearings like this allow for my fellow senators to hear and learn about what constituents are facing, and in turn, to collectively find solutions.

You can expect that I will continue to be focused on this area in the new year - preserving and creating affordable housing opportunities, supporting long-time residents, fighting for humane, clean, and well-kept residential buildings, addressing the strain of increased property taxes, and much more. Thank you for lending your voices and lived experiences on this topic, and I look forward to working hard together in 2025.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District