Simmons to Expand Housing is Recovery Pilot Program

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to increase access to affordable housing for more youth experiencing homelessness who may be struggling with mental health or substance abuse.

“The intersectionality of recurring substance use, mental health struggles and access to affordable housing is very real,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Providing support services to at-risk adolescents as young as age 18 is much needed.”

The Housing is Recovery pilot program offers affordable housing using a bridge rental subsidy combined with access to recovery support services or treatment for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse.

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Senator Simmons Hosts Black Leaders for Black History Month

From Left to Right: Maria Drell, Senator Mike Simmons, Kahinde Longmire, Trez Pugh, Gabby Tewodros, KJ Whitehead

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons hosted his inaugural “In Conversation with Senator Mike Simmons” with Black leaders in honor of Black History Month:

“In honor of Black History Month, I hosted several Black leaders living and working in the 7th District for a discussion regarding what Black identity and excellence means in 2024 and beyond,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the first Black person to represent the 7th District on Chicago’s north side, I feel a responsibility to reflect with the community on what that means for the many communities I represent.”

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Simmons responds to Pritzker's budget proposal

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address today:

“I applaud Governor Pritzker for including a child tax credit in his budget proposal. I believe we should go bolder and more ambitious to ensure the child tax credit puts a sizable dent in child poverty across Illinois. As I wrote in the Chicago Sun-Times this week, and have championed for three years since taking office, it is important for us to enact a permanent and refundable child tax credit for households in every part of Illinois who are scrimping to get by and deserve economic relief and financial security. This is a day long coming, and now we have to fight for a more robust child tax credit that will have a broader impact.

“I’m also pleased to see clear commitments from the Governor that support healthy communities, including additional investments in early childhood, higher education, funding for K-12 schools, health care and eliminating food insecurity. I also appreciate that the Governor has proposed $10M in funds that will help erase medical debt for more than a quarter million people.”

“I look forward to being a leading voice in budget negotiations on the child tax credit and other critical priorities to address the needs of children, working families and low-income households across our state. That will be my north star in the weeks ahead.”

Simmons talks over impact of proposed state-level child tax credit with single moms in the 7th District

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons reconvened his People's Legislative Council for Single Moms, bringing together moms and caregivers to hear from them how a permanent child tax credit in Illinois would benefit their daily lives.

“A child tax credit in Illinois would make a major difference in the livelihoods of 7th District families,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Hearing firsthand from local mothers on how this would help provide them economic relief and financial security makes it even more pressing to enact a permanent state-level child tax credit.”

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