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). 

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Mike Simmons, Illinois is prepared to have a renewed focus on identifying and tackling health care disparities through a newly established Health Outcomes Review Board, which was signed into law on Friday.

Simmons' new law puts us on the path to the creation of an equitable Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will be dedicated to collecting and reporting de-identified health data with a focus on demographic factors like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and languages spoken.

“The Health Outcomes Review Board will be able to identify and address disparities in health care and improve policies for communities that have not been well-served by our health care systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable maternal mortality rates of African American mothers, or inadequate access to specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and provide recommendations for addressing them.”

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.”

A component of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Simmons’ law will alleviate medical debt for Illinoisans through the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program — easing financial strain and promoting economic stability for individuals and families across the state. To qualify for the program, individuals must have a household income below 400% of the federal poverty level or possess medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their annual household income.

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.”

Simmons spearheaded the law in response to a driver of a CTA Yellow Line train colliding with a snowplow on Nov. 16, 2023 in Rogers Park. When the operator saw the machine, they hit the brakes and the emergency brakes, but the train didn't stop in time, hitting the snowplow at 27 mph. According to National Transportation Safety Board reports, there was a design flaw in the Yellow Line braking system.

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.” 

As a component of the governor's Fiscal Year 25 introduced budget, House Bill 5290 seeks to alleviate medical debt for Illinois families through the creation of the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund. To qualify for the program, individuals must have a household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or possess medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their household income ensuring those facing significant financial hardship from medical expenses receive relief.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care to promote healthy hair and self-confidence in our communities.

“Hair plays a crucial role in young people's lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill not only boosts their self-esteem but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence that can positively influence all aspects of their lives.”

House Bill 5097 requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare. Simmons’ measure outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

SPRINGFIELD – In tandem with the beginning of Mental Health Month, State Senator Mike Simmons organized a subject matter hearing at the State Capitol to look at the increase in suicide rates in African-American communities across Illinois.

“I am deeply thankful to the people who traveled here today. It was the first time that several of our witnesses had ever been to the State Capitol,” said Simmons. “Some of them have paid the ultimate price losing loved ones to suicide and other internalized violence borne out by several systems that simply haven’t cut it when it comes to mental health and wellness in African-American communities.”

In a hearing held by the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, State Senator Mike Simmons brought critical attention to the escalating crisis of suicide rates within Black communities.

SPRINGFIELD – Simmons advanced legislation through the Senate, which will create a Health Outcomes Review Board to identify and tackle healthcare disparities.

“The findings of the Health Outcomes Review Board will be vital in developing and targeting policy solutions that can improve health outcomes, improve the quality of life for many, reduce health care costs and save lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable life expectancy gap for African-American and Latine communities, disparities in quality of health insurance coverage for low-income households, or inadequate access to follow up and specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and recommend improvements.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3751, will create the Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will focus on collecting and analyzing de-identified health data, particularly emphasizing demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and languages spoken.