There is a hidden crisis threatening Illinois waterways. A 2026 survey by Environment Illinois showed microplastics at Montrose Beach and in 30 popular Illinois waterways across the state. I authored the Protect the Great Lakes Act to address this growing problem. Read more with my link in bio.

From Aug. 7–16, Illinois shoppers can take advantage of the Back-to-School State Sales Tax Holiday on qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies. It’s a great opportunity to save while shopping for school! To learn more about qualifying items and eligibility, visit: tinyurl.com/54cyp5fz

Illinois is launching FRESH to help eligible Illinoisans who lost SNAP benefits due to this Federal administration. Beginning August 1, eligible individuals can receive a one-time $400 benefit – no application required. Learn more about eligibility and benefit timing at tinyurl.com/4p8yus88.

Make sure to share with any renters you know to keep them informed about their rights! (2/2)

IT’S OFFICIAL! House Bill 3564 is set to become law on January 1st, 2027! HB3564 establishes a $50 cap for rental application fees, bans 11 types of junk fees, caps move-in fees at 20% of rent, and requires move-in fees to be itemized, among more protections for renters. (1/2)

I am proud to be named a Citizen Action 2026 Legislative Champion in the Senate! 🎉 I've been recognized for my commitment to choosing people over corporate and right-wing interests! You can see the entire scorecard at citizenaction-il.org/scorecard.

Calling all commercial property owners AND residential condo owners on Broadway, Bryn Mawr, Devon, Granville, Catalpa! The Edgewater SSA#26 needs your help! If you still haven't signed YES for renewing SSA #26 in Edgewater for the next 15 years, please come out to assist!

Last week, I led a panel on active transportation for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. I spoke about overcoming the $700+ million transit fiscal cliff last year, the incoming Northern Illinois Transit Authority, and recent developments including efforts toward a citywide bike grid!

Alert 🚨 We have hazardous air quality across Chicagoland today due to wildfires from Canada. Please stay safe by staying indoors or masking up outside. Take care, neighbors!

Welcome Kenji to Team Simmons! Kenji calls Rogers Park home and is a Senior at DePaul University studying PR and Marketing. I'm thrilled Kenji has joined the district team for the summer; he has already hit the ground running with strategic communications planning and event support!

We have had enormous success hosting the Mutual Aid at the district office. Illinois families have continued to walk in asking for items. Thank you to the generous neighbors who have continued to support our neighbors in need. Donation and Pick-Up hours for donations are Mon-Fri from 10AM-3PM.

I was honored to give the keynote address at the Edgewater Community Religious Association Juneteenth Celebration last Friday. We celebrated and lifted up the agency of our African-American ancestors who fought to secure their own freedom from centuries of oppression that still shapes our country.

Join me this Thursday, June 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. for a Mobile Town Hall at Is/Was Brewing, 5121 N. Ravenswood! Come to enjoy a beverage with me about the end of spring session, including passing a ban on rental junk fees, progressive revenue wins, and more! RSVP at bit.ly/SummerUpdatesTownHall.

Thank you to the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Rojo Gusano for hosting me and Representative Ann Williams this morning for an annual State of the State meeting! It was a productive event as discussed this past Spring session and the concerns of small business owners.

Dear neighbors, join me this Friday at 7:00 p.m. for a Juneteenth Freedom Day Interfaith Service at Sacred Heart Schools Chapel. I will be the keynote speaker. I hope to see you there as we celebrate Juneteenth and continue to push for freedom for all people, everywhere.

Join me this Thursday, June 18 from 4-5:30 p.m. for a Pride Read-In at Loaves and Witches, 6034 N. Broadway! Come to celebrate Pride and read in a safe space. Gerber Hart Library and Archives will be providing book recs. Many thanks to Loaves and Witches for hosting! RSVP at bit.ly/PrideReadIn

Happy Midsommar! Many thanks to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and Swedish American Museum, who is celebrating 50 Years, for including me in kicking off the weekend! Make sure to come out this weekend to Andersonville for a fun time in beautiful weather!

Happy Pride, everyone! Last week I kicked off the month at a joyous, powerful celebration with LGBTQ+ leaders and allies from across the north side. LGBTQ+ people have shaped humanity's past, present, and future and I look forward to celebrating Pride with all of you this Summer and beyond!

Check out my latest newsletter for a major recap of the Spring 2026 legislative session. I have so much news to share on the budget, legislation, and progressive revenue wins to fund housing, education, and more! Read here: senatorsimmons.ilsenatedem.com/common/maili...

Volunteer and Employment Opportunity! The NE Levy Senior Center at 2019 W. Lawrence, will be holding a Volunteer & Employment Resource Fair tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9th from 9:30am-1:30pm.

Welcome Max to our district office staff for this Summer! A native of Andersonville, Max is back in Chicago for the Summer after his first year at University of Southern California. I’m excited to have Max on the team where he will help with events, environmental policy research, and more!

The Illinois General Assembly adjourned early this morning. Here are my thoughts on the FY27 Illinois State Budget. Link in bio for my full statement.

The Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act, which grants rideshare workers the right to organize, has just passed the Senate as HB5090! As a Chief Co-Sponsor alongside Sen. Villivalam, I am thrilled drivers will soon have the right to bargain for benefits and appeal unjust deactivations.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my office this week, including Karen Zaccor with CPS School Board, Thresholds, RIFL Act advocates, Muejeres Latinas en Acción, and Abundant Housing Illinois as well as my district staff Jordan, Heather, and Connor!

The end of session is almost here, and I've had another great week in Springfield advocating for 7th District priorities and meeting with constituents.

Earlier today, I helped welcome Senator Durbin to a historic joint session in his honor, celebrating his 44 years of public service. I shared remarks about my days in his Capitol Hill office as a legislative aide. I appreciate his exceptional public service and wish him a very happy retirement.

Renters deserve the opportunity to become home owners, and we have a bill to make this dream possible. Senate Bill 332 would establish a 90-day Right of First Refusal for renters living in a multi-unit building that is set to be sold. Watch my press conference below for more details!

Payman will be graduating in June from Lane Tech and will soon attend Columbia University on a full ride! I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments and the work that they have done for the 7th District. They are incredible public servants. I can't wait to see what is in store for them! (2/2)

Congratulations to all our former interns this graduation season! Cullen and Krysha graduated from Loyola University this May with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, respectively. Dohyeon graduated from my alma mater, Amherst College, with a Bachelor's. (1/2)

Happy Memorial Day. Today, we honor the brave veterans who gave their lives while serving our country. Take a moment today to remember those who have lost their life in the line of duty as we continue to strive to build a nation worthy of their sacrifice.