General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

The 2024 Spring Legislative session has adjourned and I am thrilled to share updates on several pieces of legislation I (and many others) worked around the clock to pass. Read on for an overview of those.

Next you will see an interesting write up that Chicago’s first Black Women-Owned business magazine, (Extra) Ordinary People, ran in May profiling me and my experiences with mental health in college.

Then in the second half of the newsletter you will also find a run through of key highlights from the $53 Billion Fiscal Year 2025 Budget we passed at the end of May. Spoiler alert: I got our child tax credit passed making Illinois the 15th state in the nation to implement this policy!

Finally, you will see a photo recap from yesterday’s historic ribbon cutting of the brand spanking new Metra station at Peterson and Ridge in the 7th District in Edgewater! And more community updates.

Sincerely,
Mike Simmons

State Senator | 7th District

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

The Spring 2024 Legislative Session is coming to a close, but I like to think of this time of year as more of a beginning of session when things really ramp up! I have been working around the clock to get dozens of crucial pieces of legislation passed – from medical debt cancellation and affordable healthcare measures, culturally competent hair care for foster children, to transit safety and housing opportunities – I have been fighting for a budget that supports the needs of our district and state.

In this newsletter, you will find a few key updates on the most paramount bills I am working to pass out of the General Assembly this May after months of input from constituents and negotiations with stakeholders, senate colleagues, and house representatives.

Thank you to every constituent who has reached out either by sending me an email, filling out the “Contact Us” form on my website, or calling my district or Springfield office. Your input on legislation and bill ideas have been invaluable as I work to represent you all.

Looking forward to seeing you in and around the 7th District this summer!

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

It has been a really busy couple of weeks! In this newsletter edition, I am focusing on sharing updates from our district office, community Earth Day celebrations, events this weekend, and additional community resources.

I am particularly proud to share that a couple of weeks ago I received the Visionary Leadership Award for my work advancing transit and pedestrian safety legislation from Active Transportation Alliance at their Movers and Shakers Ball. Many thanks to Amy Rynell and the entire Active Transportation Alliance team for the honor. Most of all, thank you to everyone who has advocated for safer streets, better public transportation and environmentally responsible transit practices going forward. You can read my interview with Active Transportation Alliance about my passion for creating livable communities here.

I also had a great time meeting with community members at the Buena Park Neighbors Spring community meeting and look forward to being in the district more this summer!

In my next newsletter, you can expect to read about all my legislative updates, from transportation safety and accountability, expanding workers’ rights, to providing greater access to affordable housing and more.

I look forward to attending Earth Day events this weekend– see you there!

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

March is coming to a close, and I wanted to send out this newsletter to wrap up this month’s community updates. I hope you and your families are all doing well whether you are partaking in the holy month of Ramadan, preparing for Easter this Sunday, fasting for Fasika, celebrating Holi Festival of Colors, or simply spending time with family and friends. We’ve also included a GoFundMe link for a pillar in our community, Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant, an Edgewater family-owned restaurant that is recovering from challenges brought on by the pandemic.