Villanueva responds to Hate Crimes in the District

CHICAGO– In response to hate crimes in the district, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am outraged and disgusted by the recent acts of hate and vandalism that have taken place in our community– including outside of my own district office, on a pro-Palestinian mural on the side of a small business and two other community organizations. The display of swastikas and the phrase ‘ICE rules’–symbols rooted in fear, white supremacy and intimidation–are deliberate attempts to spread fear, stroke division and intimidate people who are already vulnerable. 

“What makes this especially disturbing is the complexity of what we’re witnessing: a swastika–long recognized as a symbol of violence and genocide against Jewish people– scrawled across spaces in a Mexican immigrant community, attacking our neighbors, our office and those who stand with Palestinians and global movements for justice. This act is layered in its hate– it’s antisemitic, anti-immigrant, anti-Arab, anti-Muslim and anti-Justice all at once.

“Let me be clear: there is no room for this kind of hate in our district or anywhere in Illinois. I stand in solidarity with all who have been harmed by this hateful act, who know too well the pain these symbols represent. I am working with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that those responsible are held accountable. 

“In moments like this, we must not shrink—we must rise. We must respond with unity, with courage and with an unshakable commitment to justice. Hate may try to take root here—but it will not grow. Not in our district. Not on our watch.”

Villanueva announces annual Summer Book Club

CHICAGO – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This summer book club is about more than just turning pages — it’s about building a love for learning, celebrating our cultures, and giving our kids the tools to dream big,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I want every young person in our community to see themselves in the stories they read and to know their voices matter.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Villanueva’s office by Aug. 1. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a mystery prize from Senator Villanueva.

Summer Book Club forms are available for pick up at the district office, 2501 S. Central Park Ave., or to download at SenatorVillanueva.com. People with questions can reach out to Villanueva’s office at 847-672-6201.

Villanueva: This budget reflects our values of dignity, equity and care

• FY2026
• Budget response

SPRINGFIELD – After the Illinois State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget on Saturday, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“This was not an easy vote, and it was not an easy budget year. There were real tradeoffs—hard conversations, limited resources due to the uncertainty of the federal government, and communities in crisis. But throughout it all, I stayed grounded in my values and the needs of the people I represent. This budget reflects a commitment to protecting our most vulnerable, defending our freedoms and investing in communities too often overlooked.

Read more: Villanueva: This budget reflects our values of dignity, equity and care

Villanueva leads expansion of reproductive health care access for college students

• Reproductive Rights
• HB 3709
• college students

SPRINGFIELD – Aiming to make reproductive health care more accessible for young adults, State Senator Celina Villanueva spearheaded a measure that would expand access to contraception and other essential services directly on campus.

“Our job as legislators is to listen and act—and students have been clear: they need care that meets them where they are,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This proposal ensures they can get the care they need where they are—on campus and on their terms.”

Read more: Villanueva leads expansion of reproductive health care access for college students