WASHINGTON, D.C. – In conversation with legislators from across the country, State Senator Mike Simmons was proud to attend the White House States Convening on Child Care on Friday morning, where he highlighted his passage of Illinois’ first permanent child tax credit, advocated for more accessible child care, and discussed the importance of fair compensation for child care workers. 

“I am honored to have been invited back by the Biden-Harris Administration to participate in the White House Convening on Child Care on Friday morning. I was especially proud to share that since last year’s convening, I and my colleagues have passed the first permanent child tax credit in Illinois, legislation that was directly informed by 7th District single moms who participate in my People’s Legislative Council initiative,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). 

Simmons was invited to the White House with other state legislators to discuss how each state is working to make child care more affordable for working families, increase child care provider supply and improve job quality for child care workers. He shared successes from this past legislative session and discussed next steps for further state action on child care. 

The convening featured opening and closing addresses from senior White House officials and breakout sessions focused on early childhood education teacher compensation and benefits, supply-building strategies, access and affordability of child care, and quality care assurance. 

“I am so proud to represent and lift up the every-day needs of the 7th District at the White House. I brought the voices and stories of my constituents with me, and shared policy proposals that matter to 7th District households, including increasing access to quality, affordable child care, and compensating child care workers with wages that allow them to support their own families,” said Simmons.