CHICAGO – With the intention to understand the concerns and needs of community members, and to proactively connect his constituents to state resources, State Senator Mike Simmons visited the Budlong Woods neighborhood this past Saturday knocking on doors and introducing residents to state resources and meeting those residents face-to-face. 

“Meeting residents in-person, where they’re at, encourages them to voice their concerns and needs in an informal way,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Engaging with the community in their neighborhoods helps to ensure they feel seen, heard, respected, and helped.”

During the day, Simmons addressed topics such as property taxes, commercial and residential development, recent gun violence, and small businesses. Simmons grew up in the Budlong Woods neighborhood and was able to connect with long-time residents as well as introduce himself to the new families along Farragut Avenue. He also handed out flyers with state-level resources including services his district office offers. 

“It was cathartic to meet with families one-on-one this past weekend in Budlong Woods, which is located in Lincoln Square, the area where I grew up and where my family racially integrated the neighborhood in the early 1980s,” Simmons said. “As my team and I talked to our neighbors, many being long-time residents, I felt a sense of pride and responsibility in helping to lift up the needs of households in the area." 

If residents have questions about the next opportunity to meet him in the neighborhood, or would like information about local resources, Simmons urges them to contact his office at 773-769-1717.

This week is #TransgenderAwarenessWeek, an occasion to raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face. As the first openly gay state senator in Illinois, this topic is deeply personal to me and I stand in solidarity with our trans siblings in fighting for justice, peace, and empowerment.

CHICAGO – In an effort to proactively connect with 7^th District individuals affected by gun violence and shape future legislation, State Senator Mike Simmons held a People’s Legislative Council on gun violence on Wednesday. 

“The purpose of People’s Legislative Councils is to connect with and listen to constituents who have a direct stake in policy decisions, and bring their voice into the legislative process,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We convened 7^th District residents who are survivors of gun violence or have lost loved ones to gun violence, and we will lift up their experiences as we advocate for sensible gun laws

Simmons has and will continue to be aggressive on pursuing gun control legislation, and strongly supports a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines at the state and federal level. He is a cosponsor of Senate Bill 2510, which would ban assault weapons in Illinois, and was chief cosponsor of House Bill 4383, a bill signed into law in April that requires all guns to be serialized. Simmons is also passionate about the need for federal legislation to crack down on illegal gun trafficking into Illinois.

Past People’s Legislative Councils have been held with several different constituent groups including: single mothers, long-term residents, senior citizens, and high school students. Upcoming People’s Legislative Councils will address rights and resources for people living with disabilities, incarcerated individuals, people who are inadequately served by the health care system, and individuals experiencing homelessness. These legislative councils have directly led to the creation of bills, including one recently signed into law which requires K-12 schools to instruct on how and where to find access to mental health. This legislation, Senate Bill 4028, also creates the Student Mental Health Council, a diverse council of young adults tasked with identifying barriers to youth feeling supported and empowered by the existing mental health system.  

“Action is needed at all levels of government to contain the gun violence epidemic and I am a strong supporter of passing sensible gun laws,” Simmons said.  “I plan to build on my track record of fighting for and advancing sensible gun legislation while centering the advocacy of my constituents here in the 7^th district.” 

If residents have questions about the event or would like information about the next People’s Legislative Council meeting, Simmons urges them to contact his office at 773-769-1717.

As the first openly gay person to serve in the Illinois Senate, I was very proud to share my own story and thoughts on #NationalComingOutDay. LGBTQ+ communities are being targeted all around the country. It’s very important that the LGBTQ+ community and those who are on a coming out journey spend time to reflect on their experiences and for all of us to support those who are coming out. I hope you enjoy this short podcast recording! Click here to listen!