SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading the charge to provide relief to more than 300,000 residents burdened by medical debt with legislation aimed at easing financial strain and promoting economic stability for individuals and families across the state.

“We know that households burdened by medical debt are less likely to go to the doctor or seek follow-up care, and are more likely to suffer from illness. Our communities need to know they can seek medical care whenever they need it,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “An unexpected injury or illness should never mean having to decide between putting food on the table or paying a medical bill. Too often people ignore their health due to cost – especially those with fixed incomes and tight budgets. We have to look out for them and make sure that a bill is never a barrier to health care.”

SPRINGFIELD – After Illinois legislators passed historic health care reform legislation, House Bill 5395, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“Access to health care is a fundamental right, and costs should never be the reason people forgo care. I've heard too many stories from people in my community who struggle to see a doctor or get the treatment they need because of obstacles like a lack of available doctors who accept their insurance or arbitrarily high insurance costs leaving them with low coverage or no insurance for their health emergencies. These barriers lead to untreated medical conditions and premature death for too many of our family members, neighbors and friends.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an important measure that honors the need for constituents to know more about who represents them in Springfield.

“In 2021, I became the first openly LGBTQ+ person sworn into the Illinois Senate,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It’s important for the district I represent to know that for the first time in the 200-year history of Illinois, they are represented by an LGBTQ+ state senator. I am thrilled to see this bill finally advance.”

Simmons’ measure, Senate Bill 863, modernizes printing rules governing bulk mail sent to constituents to allow General Assembly members to list biographical information. This legislation extends current practices on the General Assembly website to print mail.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize safety and efficiency on Illinois roadways, State Senator Mike Simmons has secured passage of another bill that promotes seamless collaboration between the Illinois Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions in modifying roadways in Chicago and across the state to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and decrease motorists crashes.