22 Dec 2015

Smiddy-Backed Bill Helping Special Needs Patients Get Dental Care Takes Effect

By State Representative Mike Smiddy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Beginning in the new year, children with special needs will be able to receive accommodations at the dentists due to a new law, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, which will take effect on Jan. 1.

"Even a simple visit to the dentist can be traumatic for children with special needs," Smiddy said. "If we want these children to get the preventative dental care they need, we have to ensure the resources necessary for these procedures are available."

Dental patients with autism or other special needs often require sedation for regular dental exams and procedures. The costs associated with the sedation can be a large financial burden on families. Under current law, insurance companies in Illinois are only required to cover sedation for dental procedure for children under six. Smiddy sponsored House Bill 235, a new law which requires coverage for sedation for individuals with special needs until the age of 26 for dental appointments if they have been unable to get care without it.

"This new law will help children have access to dental care that may otherwise be unavailable due to the costs associated with sedation," Smiddy said. "Families with special needs children face many challenges, and I'll continue to work to ensure they have the resources they need."

House Bill received bipartisan support when it passed the House in April. It was signed into law on July 27 and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

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12 Feb 2015

Smiddy Sponsors Measure Raising Minimum Wage

By State Representative Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Workers statewide could see increased wages soon under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, which proposes raising Illinois' minimum wage.
"All hardworking Illinoisans deserve a fair and reasonable wage, and too many workers are left behind under current law," Smiddy said. "It's time Illinois compensates its workers at a rate that allows residents to provide for their families and support local business."
Smiddy is a chief co-sponsor to Senate Bill 11. The bill raises the minimum wage from its current level of $8.25 an hour to $9.00 an hour beginning on July 1, 2015. This level will rise $.50 a years until it reaches $11.00 an hour in 2019. The higher revenues each worker will take in can be reinvested in local business and help grow the state's economy.
"This bill provides the aid Illinois workers need immediately, while continuing to increase the minimum wage slowing to allow employers adequate time adjust to rising wages," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to support measures to empower working families and plan changes to economic policies in careful, measured steps."
Senate Bill 11 passed the Senate on February 5, and awaits assignment to a House committee for consideration.
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06 Feb 2015

Smiddy Voices Concern for Middle Class Families in State of the State Response

By State Representative Mike Smiddy
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, issued the following statement Wednesday in response to the Governor Bruce Rauner's State of the State Address:
"Today the Governor outlined his plan for the State of Illinois. I'm pleased the Governor is joining my effort to bring fiscal responsibility to Springfield, but we must be certain that we achieve this goal through smart decisions that do not threaten Illinois' families.
"I'm happy to see the governor agrees we me that Illinois needs an increase to the minimum wage. However, Illinois workers need this increase now, and they can't afford to have the livable compensation they deserve implemented gradually over seven years. I believe business should be given adequate time to adjust to rising salaries, but increasing the minimum wage by only $.25 a year falls well short of the support our workers deserve and their families need.
"Workers are not responsible for Illinois' fiscal problems and cutting wages and benefits will only slow our economy and hurt businesses and families. I'm committed to working with members from both sides of the aisle to find responsible ways to preserve tax dollars.
"During the upcoming legislative session, I'll remain focused on promoting job growth and educating our workforce. I'll continue to fight for the resources Illinois schools need and advocate for every Illinoisan to have access to quality, preventative healthcare. I stand behind efforts to improve early childhood education funding and look forward to seeing more details about how this can be accomplished."
The 71st District includes portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties. For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com.
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