Villanueva: We believe in honoring human rights

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s recent visit to Illinois, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“As someone who has spent my entire career fighting for immigrant rights, I will not stay silent while this administration continues to demonize our communities and blame states like Illinois for a crisis they created.

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Villanueva leads measure to strengthen crime victims’ rights and prevent deceptive investigations

• HB 3710
• crime victims rights

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villanueva leads measure to strengthen crime victims’ rights and prevent deceptive investigations

Villanueva leads measure to raise wages for workers supporting individuals with disabilities

• SB 1617

SPRINGFIELD – At a press conference on Wednesday, State Senator Celina Villanueva reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening Illinois care infrastructure by advancing legislation to improve compensation for Direct Support Professionals who provide critical daily care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of care for thousands of Illinois residents living with disabilities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villanueva leads measure to raise wages for workers supporting individuals with disabilities

Villanueva helps secure $550,000 in job training funding for EDDR

• DCEO
• EDDR Foundation
• Pre-apprenticeship programs

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva secured $550,000 to help EDDR Foundation Chicago build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades.

"This investment in EDDR Foundation is about breaking down barriers and building up opportunities for workers in our communities," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "These pre-apprenticeship programs are a vital step toward stable, long-term careers in the trades—especially for individuals who’ve historically been left out of these opportunities."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Villanueva’s district, the EDDR Foundation’s Cook County location will see a total of $550,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

"Job training isn’t just about employment—it’s about equity, economic mobility, and building a stronger future for our neighborhoods," Villanueva continued. "We’re investing in people to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed."

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.