Senator Mike Simmons

In 2021, the State of Illinois passed House Bill 3922, which created Juneteenth National Freedom Day on June 19. Days like today are a stunning showcase of the connection our community has to one another and our roots. This Juneteenth we celebrate the agency of our African-American ancestors, who fought long before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, to secure their own freedom from centuries of oppression that still shapes our country today. Across the nation our people are celebrating this day as a holiday and that is a beautiful thing!

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!

We discussed this past Spring session and the concerns of small business owners, including the impact of data centers on energy costs and the future of hemp-derived beverages.

I remain committed to finding ways to support small businesses affected by ICE with funding opportunities. I also had great discussions with local craft manufacturers and distributors that need support in their ability to grow and thrive.

We closed by sharing "uniquely Illinois" hobbies - mine is riding my bike through miles of Illinois forest preserve trails and taking photos of our natural beauty! Thanks again everyone for having me!

Dear neighbors, join me this Friday at 7:00 p.m. for a Juneteenth Freedom Day Interfaith Service at Sacred Heart Schools Chapel, 6250 N. Sheridan Rd. This service is free and open to all. I will be the keynote speaker led by the Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA) and a performance from Circles and Ciphers. I hope to see you there as we celebrate Juneteenth, honor our ancestors, 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, the love and freedom of reading, and bring your favorite LGBTQ+ book or author to share. We invite folks to come as you are and simply read in a safe space. Ge**er Hart Library and Archives will be providing book recommendations. Many thanks to Loaves and Witches for hosting! Please RSVP at bit.ly/PrideReadIn or with my link in bio.

Went by an Edgewater favorite, bike shop Igor Does My Bike for a couple capital improvements to my bike! S/o to Igor I now have replaced by front headlight and back tail lights for safer cycling after dark. I was blown away by the service and friendliness of the team. Y’all rock! 🚲🚲🚲🚲🙌🏿

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! I even got to officiate a serious arm wrestling match between the 40th and 48th Ward as Clark divides the wards. Make sure to come out this weekend to Andersonville for a fun time in beautiful weather!

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 now with my link in bio.

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 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. If you are an older adult wanting to share a special skill and/or need to find volunteer opportunities due to recent SNAP work/volunteer requirements, please stop by and obtain information, resources, and giveaways from various vendors! Box lunches will be provided and there will be a special BINGO around 1:00 p.m!

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!