Simmons Champions Legislation to Protect SNAP Recipients from Fraud and to Establish Payday Advance Services Regulation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services.

“My colleagues and I are determined to pass legislation that protects SNAP recipients,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The Trump administration has slashed federal support for SNAP, which puts more people at risk of going hungry and not being able to feed their families. Illinois needs to take action to protect SNAP from fraud and prevent further hardship.”

Simmons outlined Senate Bill 3266, which would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to implement the use of chip-enabled cards for electronic benefit systems. This would allow SNAP participants using EBT cards to use chip readers in their transactions. In 2024, over 89,000 fraudulent transactions involving SNAP benefits were reported to IDHS. Simmons’ proposal to add electronic chips to EBT cards aims to safeguard the benefits on those cards, directly reducing fraud.

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Simmons applauds erasure of medical debt for 500,000 Illinoisans, pushes for further funding for program

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast advocacy from State Senator Mike Simmons to ease financial strain and promote economic stability, more than 500,000 residents across the state have had their medical debt erased. 

“Far too many people — particularly those living on fixed or limited incomes — put their health on the back burner because of costs,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We have a responsibility to protect those people and ensure financial burden never stands between someone and the care they need.”

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Simmons statement on governor’s proposed budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor’s joint State of the State and Budget Address on Wednesday:

“The governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget is a good starting point for conversation. As always, I will not support any cuts to vital human services and look forward to a final budget that fully protects people across Illinois who are struggling.

“I am encouraged to see $15 million proposed for the continuation of the medical debt relief program I led in the Senate that has already erased $1.1 billion in medical debt for 500,000 households.

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Simmons announces small business funding for the 7th District

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons announced two innovative small businesses in the 7^th District were awarded grant funding to support their partnership with Illinois universities.

“We want to support the hard work and tireless efforts of small business owners and the role they play in our community,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “From creating jobs to providing economic mobility, small businesses are the cornerstone of our communities and this funding will help them flourish.”

The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program connects small businesses with the state’s world-class universities and research institutions. Through competitive awards of up to $75,000, the program enables companies to pursue research and development projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education to support technology validation, accelerate product development and strengthen commercialization pathways.

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