CHICAGO— State Senator Mike Simmons issued the following statement after his experience participating in Communities in Action at the White House in Washington, D.C.:

“The need for local and federal participation is imperative to meet the unique challenges our communities face. The Communities in Action event amplified the historical impacts from Biden's Investing in America vision on local and national levels.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mike Simmons is in Washington, D.C. joining elected officials and community leaders from Illinois and Indiana to highlight the impacts of the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act on communities across Illinois.

“The impact of Biden-Harris policies and programs on Chicago’s far north side have created opportunities and expanded the possibilities for the diverse and resourceful people of the 7th District,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the partnership between Illinois Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration and look forward to continuing efforts to improve the lives of residents across our state.”

The impact of the Biden-Harris Administration in Simmons’ district has been monumental to his efforts in the Senate, inspiring Simmons’ leadership in fighting for passage of an Illinois state-level permanent child tax credit. Building on this state-federal partnership, Simmons’ package of bills recently signed into law accelerates the rollout of electric buses and modernizes transportation infrastructure to improve safety, accessibility and sustainability for residents across Illinois.

Under the administration, Illinois' unemployment rate has dropped to 4.5% with 429,000 jobs created since Biden took office. Simmons has worked hard to ensure his constituents can find meaningful, gainful employment, hosting job fairs for returning citizens and many others to help all residents in the 7th District live dignified lives in a fair and just economy.

Additionally, Simmons secured $2.5 million in funds to provide one-time $10,000 grants to small businesses across his Senate district last year through the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant – a direct response to the extraordinary challenges small business owners across the area face from inflation, corporate competition, rent increases, and labor and inventory shortages.

“I pride myself in being approachable and centering everyday people of the 7th District in my legislative work,” said Simmons. “When residents bring their concerns to me, I want to make sure they feel heard and I take action to address their issues. Through continued partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, we will continue strengthening our economy here in the 7th District.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Mike Simmons joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Google Public Sector, and a host of elected officials Monday to announce a new state-of-the-art online portal, BEACON, to provide a user-friendly experience for Illinois families and residents to access behavioral and mental health care resources for children.

“Access and equity in all forms of healthcare is a top priority,” said Simmons (D-Chicago), who serves as Vice-Chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee. “I am happy to see our state taking intentional steps in partnership with a wide range of partners in simplifying the process for finding mental and behavioral health care in Illinois for children.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons announced that the deadline for the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant has been extended to Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. to allow for as many 7th District small businesses to apply as possible.

The 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant is a result of $2.5 million in funds he secured to provide one-time, $10,000 grants to small businesses across the community last year.

“It is important that as many 7th District small businesses apply for this grant as possible,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Over the last year and a half, so many small business owners have stopped me in passing or come to our district office to request help. I am so proud to be able to secure this funding for our small businesses.”

The 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant was created in direct response to extraordinary challenges small business owners face - including the impacts of gentrification, rent increases, lack of credit, language access barriers, labor and inventory shortages, building issues, inflation, and more. The application is available in several languages, including Amharic, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Persian.

“This grant is specifically for small businesses in the 7th District and is intended for those who have missed out on previous grant opportunities,” said Simmons. “Thank you to the five local chambers of commerce for collaborating with our office, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their partnership.”

Full details on the grant, including the application and eligibility, can be found here. Applications are open until Friday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.