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.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ measure to make rail travel safer for residents in response to the 2023 Chicago Transit Authority Yellow Line crash in his district was signed into law on Monday.

“This legislation is in direct response to the horrific CTA Yellow Line collision last fall,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “So many people rely on public transportation, and as a lifelong user of Chicago public transit, I know how important it is to make sure our transit systems are held accountable to provide the most safe riding conditions possible. This law will prevent tragedies from happening through accountability required of our transit organizations.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons, the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Illinois State Senate, was joined by LGBTQ+ youth, community leaders, small business owners, activists and allies at a Pride Month press conference Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that keeps Illinois on track to protect vital funding for mental health services while providing economic relief to thousands of households. After voting to support the plan, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“The very first bill I introduced in the Senate three years ago would create a child tax credit. Since then, myself, my colleagues and grassroots groups have led a movement that strongly advocated for enacting a permanent and refundable child tax credit for households in every part of Illinois who are struggling to get by and need economic relief. With passage of this budget, thousands of households – parents, caretakers, and children in Illinois – will get extra money every year to put food on the table, pay rent, get childcare and other basic needs that no family should have to forgo in our state.

“This is a long day coming and I am excited to see a historic child tax credit enacted in this year’s state budget. By directing the credit towards households that already receive the anti-poverty earned income tax credit, we are ensuring the households who are most economically strapped get money back to help them pay their bills and make a dignified living. As part of this budget passage, I also am proud to champion and pass legislation, House Bill 5290, to create a new Medical Debt Relief Program, which will wipe out medical debt for an estimated 340,000 people across Illinois.

“Finally, as Vice-Chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, I recently brought together mental health stakeholders, those directly impacted by the crisis, community leaders and advocates to look at the status quo and explore actionable legislative and budgetary solutions. I take great pride in seeing their voices reflected in this budget.

“I will continue to lift up 7th District parents, caretakers, advocates and children, fighting to see their issues and concerns supported by progressive policy with the dollars to match.”