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.

“Furthermore, I will support a budget that protects and supports our communities and small businesses affected by ICE, fully protects and funds SNAP and Medicaid, and funds solutions toward our state’s housing crisis.”

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