Simmons passes bill to support returning citizens

SPRINGFIELD – To help returning citizens reintegrate successfully into their communities and reduce recidivism, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation in the Senate on Thursday.

“I am dedicated to serving all 7th District constituents, which includes returning citizens,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves the opportunity to establish stability in their life and take care of basic human needs, such as finding gainful employment, housing, and healthcare before owing fees from prior criminal proceedings.”

Senate Bill 2175 prohibits courts from ordering the payment of outstanding fees, fines, taxes or any costs arising from criminal proceedings for the first year after a person returns from incarceration. Currently, Illinois does not have a law striking fees for a certain amount of days post-confinement. However, under the Unified Code of Corrections, the court may revoke a fine if good cause is shown.

“Successful rehabilitation means giving returning citizens practical support as they reintegrate into the community,” Simmons said. “This bill does not erase fees, but rather provides a reasonable amount of time to help break the cruel cycle where returning citizens are expected to pay back fees with savings they may not have.”

Senate Bill 2175 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.

Simmons initiative to require air-conditioning in affordable housing passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – In May 2022, three residents of a Rogers Park senior living complex tragically died of suspected heat exhaustion. In direct response to this tragedy and to improve the quality of life for current affordable housing residents, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced Senate Bill 2013 out of the Senate on Thursday. 

“Residents of affordable housing deserve the same respect and care afforded to everyone in an environment that is safe, accessible, clean, and provided with proper cooling and heating systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will hold housing providers accountable in making sure our neighbors, both in the 7th district and across the state, live in safe, humane housing.” 

Senate Bill 2013 requires any residential building that is state-funded to meet minimum standard of living conditions to continue receiving funding from the program.

The measure would require specific air-conditioning and heating provisions to be included in all state-funded affordable housing. Air-conditioning must be operating when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees and must be operable by residents. It also clarifies language in regards to maintenance, upkeep and laundry access.

“It was a senseless tragedy to lose three beloved members of our community. No one should live in a home that is too cold in the winter and sweltering in the summer,” said Simmons. “It is a basic human right to live in safe, accessible, and clean environments, with air-conditioning, heating, working laundry machines and basic maintenance provisions.”

Senate Bill 2013 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.  

Simmons expands health care access for liver disease screening

SPRINGFIELD – To expand coverage of preventative screenings for liver disease, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation from the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

“The best chance at fighting any disease is early detection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will provide liver disease screenings to people who need them, regardless of their health insurer status. Identifying liver disease early improves long-term health outcomes, especially for those most at-risk.”

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease. These screenings may occur every six months, and plans will be prohibited from imposing a deductible, coinsurance, co-payment or any other cost-sharing requirement.

According to the CDC, in 2021, 56,585 adults in the U.S. died from liver disease, making it the ninth leading cause of death.

“Our goal is to improve health outcomes for people who are both underinsured and at-risk for liver disease, especially those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction,” Simmons said. “The cost of any screening should never be a reason to forgo care. At the end of the day, this bill is about preventing avoidable deaths by providing equitable preventive healthcare.”

Senate Bill 1282 passed out of the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday and awaits further consideration.

Simmons joins White House conversation on childcare access and affordability

CHICAGO – To promote child care access and affordability, State Senator Mike Simmons took part in the White House State Legislative Convening on Tuesday, speaking on Illinois’ paid leave legislation and his proposed child tax credit.

“It was an honor to meet with White House officials and fellow Federal and State legislators today,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Working parents are struggling more than ever before, and it is time we find solutions at State and Federal levels to help provide families with affordable and accessible child care and services. I want the next generation of moms, dads, caretakers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and children to live dignified and abundant lives where they are not always struggling to meet the most basic expenses.”

During the meeting, Simmons highlighted Senate Bill 1444, which would create an Illinois Child Tax Credit for eligible low- and middle-income Illinois families. Families would receive a $700 tax credit for each child under the age of 17, benefitting joint filers earning less than $75,000 and single filers earning less than $50,000. 

“Children need to feel secure that their needs are being met,” said Simmons. “And every parent deserves to raise their children without chronic economic stress. I am proud of the recent steps forward Illinois has taken to support childcare access, and the proposals that are being considered this session, such as the state-level child tax credit I’ve introduced. The Biden Administration has made many important strides in passing policy that has provided families with relief, and I am honored to join the White House today for this timely discussion.” 

Simmons also spoke about the recent signing of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, chief-sponsored by Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). The Act made Illinois the third state in the U.S. to guarantee paid leave. Under the new law, employees in Illinois will be provided a minimum of 40 hours of paid leave per year that can be used for any reason. Starting on March 31, 2024, or 90 days following commencement of employment, workers can begin using their earned time off for any reason without the requirement of providing documentation to their employer.

The virtual event included White House officials Julie Chavez Rodriguez, senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs; and Jennifer Klein, assistant to the president and director of the Gender Policy Council; as well as state legislators from Indiana, Maryland, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Washington and Virginia.