Mayfield Reflects on Session Work Addressing Affordability and Highlights New Consumer Protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With the spring legislative session adjourning Monday, state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, is highlighting her efforts to address the affordability crisis, increase consumer protections and support vulnerable communities.

“Our families are working around the clock to barely make ends meet, and that’s simply not right,” said Mayfield. “That’s why I’m committed to creating real solutions that tackle the affordability crisis affecting families in our neighborhoods and across the state.”

Some highlights of Mayfield’s affordability agenda include:

• Making groceries and everyday purchases more affordable by giving everyone access to digital coupons so that the price people see is the price they pay (House Bill 45),
• Creating new protections against artificial intelligence (AI) schemes that use personal data to raise prices (House Bill 4248),
• Delivering transparency requirements to crack down on hidden junk fees (House Bill 228),
• Creating a regulatory framework for hearing care organizations that promotes greater transparency for hearing care costs (SB 2838), and 
• Making everyday purchases more accessible by requiring retail establishments to accept cash payments for purchases under $500 (House Bill 4592).

Mayfield also backed a responsible and compassionate state budget that puts working families first. Without raising taxes on working families, the spending plan prioritizes access to affordable housing, affirms public safety measures and increases support for affordable healthcare options. It also places a temporary freeze on the state gas tax which was expected to increase in July. With Washington continuing to cut back on health and human services, the state budget focuses on stepping in to fill the gaps left by their poor leadership.

“Our state budget is focused on serving the people of Illinois,” said Mayfield. “Our conversations were shaped by the idea that we would be passing a budget that prioritizes Illinoisans’ needs while defending ourselves against the chaos in Washington.” 

Mayfield this session remained dedicated to advocating for vulnerable groups throughout the state, passing legislation meant to support them and provide additional resources. She successfully passed Senate Bill 3196 which strengthens support for individuals aging out of the Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) care by providing them with a greater voice in transition planning and improving access to important resources and information. The bill requires DCFS to work with a youth advisory board to improve transition programs, create individualized youth-driven plans and communicate available services and benefits.

“Every single individual has a different life path, and it’s our responsibility to support them,” said Mayfield. “We need to be providing people with the tools they need to succeed in life, no matter their starting point. More work remains, let’s continue to work together to build a stronger Illinois that offers greater opportunity and puts people first.”