Newsletters

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

I am happy to announce that work on my district office is now complete! We made some changes that I believe will make the space even more welcoming for constituents, including an outside space for folks to meet and enjoy the warm weather. Please stop by and say hello soon. We are here for you.

In other updates, I tested positive for COVID-19 last week and had to quarantine and spend a few days recovering. I want to encourage everyone to keep healthy in the weeks ahead, and remember to follow health department guidelines if you feel ill or think you may have had a recent exposure. Free testing is available at many local stores and pharmacies. As always, feel free to call my office if you need help finding healthcare or lack a primary health care home. We will help guide you.

On another topic, I have great news: I passed a youth mental health bill last year, Senate Bill 4028 that creates the first statewide Student Mental Health Council. I encourage young people aged 14–25 to apply for the council before the Sept. 22 deadline.

A handful more of my bills were signed into law recently. Read on for details on those as well as key community updates and new resources.

Finally, a huge THANK YOU to our summer interns Ochii, Justin, and Byron who are wrapping up their internships soon.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Legislative Updates

Caption: Senator Mike Simmons led passage of three bills signed into law this July.

This month, several bills I authored and supported were signed into law, including Senate Bill 1710 and Senate Bill 2014.

Additionally, I helped advance multiple House Bills through the Senate, including House Bill 2131, House Bill 1342, House Bill 2297, and House Bill 3631.

Bike and pedestrian safety improvements: Senate Bill 2014 improves coordination of bike and pedestrian safety upgrades during state road maintenance projects.

Warning signs on bike trails: Senate Bill 1710 adds advance warning signage near bike crossings to improve safety.

Public transportation improvements: House Bill 1342 expands transit accessibility, youth programs, and service improvements.

Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force: House Bill 2131 creates a task force to reduce traffic fatalities statewide.

Inclusive workforce policy: House Bill 2297 improves inclusion tracking for state workforce diversity.

Pharmacy protections: House Bill 3631 protects pharmacists who report legal violations.

Senator Mike Simmons In the News

• Crain’s Chicago Business coverage on rent control policy discussions
• State Journal-Register reporting on Illinois prison labor system
• The Daily Line coverage of prisoner voting rights legislation
• Chicago Tribune reporting on transit accessibility for seniors and disabled riders

Senator Mike Simmons’ Updates

Portrait by Megan Williamson – “ZOOM”

Caption: Portrait of Senator Mike Simmons, painted by Megan Williamson for her solo exhibit “Zoom.”

I am honored to be featured in artist Megan Williamson’s solo exhibit “Zoom,” on display at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Illinois Launches the First Statewide Student Mental Health Council

Senate Bill 4028 created a statewide Student Mental Health Council to elevate youth voices in mental health policy.

Applications are now open for the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership Youth Council.

Read the full newsletter

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Summer everyone! The last few weeks have been a productive and amazing time back in our district. Several key bills I passed were recently signed into law by Governor Pritzker, including laws that remove cost barriers for liver disease screenings, remove renewal requirements for transit benefits for seniors and people with disabilities, and require air-conditioning in state-supported affordable housing.

We’ve hosted many district events and resumed our People’s Legislative Councils in late June, convening 7th District residents living with disabilities to discuss lived experiences and legislative needs. We also hosted our third annual Pride Press Conference, launched Traveling Office Hours in Bowmanville, and will continue them in Rogers Park next week.

Recently, I traveled to Washington, DC for the White House Convening on Child Care Access, where I joined 91 state leaders to discuss expanding access to affordable child care and supporting working parents.

Read on for key updates, events, and community resources.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

Legislative Updates

White House Convening on Child Care

Senator Mike Simmons attends the White House Convening on Child Care with state leaders from across the US.

Senator Mike Simmons with State Senator Samra Brouk during the convening.

Breakout discussion session with state legislators at the White House convening.

I was invited by the White House to attend the Convening on Child Care to collaborate with leaders from across the country on improving access to affordable, high-quality child care. I was proud to uplift the needs of 7th District families and single mothers whose experiences directly inform my legislative work.

Read the full newsletter

Dear Neighbors,

Last Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm, we held an End of Session Virtual Town Hall meeting! Those who attended heard from me and my team about legislative wins, budget updates, and upcoming outreach and district events. If you missed this town hall, we will be hosting a Travelling Town Hall on Friday, June 16th at 6:30pm at Spiteful Brewing Tap Room, 2024 W. Balmoral Ave, Chicago IL 60625.

For those who missed the event or would like to review it, you can watch the Town Hall recording .

Connecting with you, the constituents of the 7th District, is my top priority. I loved hearing your ideas, questions and concerns, and I cannot wait to hear from more of you in the future!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my district staff by calling 773-769-1717 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons

State Senator | 7th District