Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons

Simmons celebrates Illinois’ progress in eliminating $1.4 billion in medical debt

Details: Category: Press Releases; Thursday, October 15, 2026 02:05 PM

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CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons joined Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to celebrate Illinois’ continued progress in eliminating medical debt through a program he helped establish. The state’s Medical Debt Relief Program has eliminated $1.4 billion in outstanding medical bills for nearly 700,000 residents since its establishment in 2024.

“An unexpected illness or medical emergency should not create years of financial hardship for Illinois families,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When I carried legislation to establish this program, I wanted to make sure Illinois had a meaningful way to help residents overcome medical debt and regain control of their finances. Seeing this relief reach hundreds of thousands of people shows the impact this law is having in communities across our state.”

Simmons’ House Bill 5290 established Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Program in 2024 to provide financial assistance to eligible residents by purchasing and eliminating qualifying medical debt through a partnership with a nonprofit organization.

Simmons highlights energy bill assistance for 7th District residents

Details: Category: Press Releases; Thursday, October 01, 2026 11:35 AM

LIHEAP Graphic

CHICAGO – To help residents with rising energy costs, State Senator Mike Simmons is encouraging residents and families in the 7^th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“LIHEAP is an important resource that helps families across Illinois manage their energy costs and keep their homes safe and comfortable,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “If you or someone you know is struggling with utility bills, I encourage you to learn more about the program and see if you qualify for assistance.”

The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

Simmons secures strong investment to expand 7th District workforce training, development

Details: Category: Press Releases; Thursday, September 10, 2026 10:38 AM

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CHICAGO – In an effort to expand workforce training, State Senator Mike Simmons helped secure $285,199 to connect workers with the skills and resources they need to enter in-demand careers while helping employers build the qualified workforce they need to grow.

“Workforce investments create opportunities for people to gain the skills and experience they need to build a strong future,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “These investments strengthen communities across the 7th District by breaking down barriers to employment and ensuring more people have access to training, resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”

More than $11 million in funding was awarded to 23 organizations across Illinois through the Job Training and Economic Development Program, aimed at expanding workforce training, career pathways and support services for Illinoisans facing barriers to employment. JTED addresses the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment.

Simmons encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding

Details: Category: Press Releases; Friday, September 04, 2026 01:11 PM

Apprenticeship Program

CHICAGO — To expand the 7th District’s talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Mike Simmons is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Programs like Illinois Works give people the skills, experience and support they need to take the first step toward a good-paying career,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By investing in organizations that are already doing this work in our communities, we’re creating stronger pathways into the trades and helping more people build a stable future for themselves and their families.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

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Sincerely,

Senator Mike Simmons Signature