SPRINGFIELD – A new law from State Senator Mike Simmons, Senate Bill 3297 was signed into law on Friday, and will expand access to affordable housing through the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program for youth experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health or substance abuse.

Simmons’ law lowers the age of eligibility for the Housing is Recovery pilot program from 21 years old to 18 years old.

“This law is directly informed by listening to and responding to the needs and experiences of community members who have told us stories about many young people waiting in limbo for support services until they turn 21,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This effort addresses a specific gap for young people who have been disproportionately affected by the current system.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to body camera footage of the shooting of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy:

“Sonya Massey – a young, beautiful, Black woman – was stolen from us in yet another reckless and unjust act of violence that took place inside her Springfield home. I mourn for her, for her family, and resolve to continue the uphill battle in fighting for justice for Black lives.

“The reckless conduct of the officer along with his heinous and hateful words continue to destroy trust in our public safety system. It also leaves countless people in Illinois feeling afraid for their lives, unwilling to even reach out to law enforcement for help when they feel unsafe. 

“I stand with the Massey family and the Springfield community as we all mourn another senseless and unjust loss of life. Let us never forget her name as we honor her with our actions now more than ever.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was proud to support historic health care reform, House Bill 5395, which was signed into law on Wednesday.

“The Healthcare Protection Act will make health care more accessible ­for all residents in our state – a fundamental right I have been fighting for since taking office,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This law removes barriers for patients and doctors and ensures that insurance plans are comprehensive and effectively cover the best healthcare procedures.”

Strongly supported by Simmons, the Healthcare Protection Act tackles the issue of “ghost networks,” which arise when provider networks include doctors who aren't accepting new patients, don't accept the patient's insurance or have retired. Further, it extends the ban on unjustifiable insurance rate increases to large group plans in Illinois, ensuring access to affordable care.

Additionally, the new law improves health care accessibility and eliminates unnecessary barriers by banning prior authorization for mental health treatment and mandating the public disclosure of treatments requiring prior authorization.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law will provide relief to more than 300,000 residents burdened by medical debt.

“Countless households and families will finally experience the long-awaited relief from extremely burdensome debts,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The Medical Debt Relief Act will have a profoundly broad impact on people across our state who are struggling with medical debt. At least 90% of Illinoisans burdened by medical debt live under 400% of the federal poverty level. This law will allow people to live a more prosperous life.”