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

Villanueva secures student aid expansion for all Illinois residents

• HB 460
• Student aid

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva continues to break down barriers in higher education by championing legislation to expand access to student financial aid.

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This bill is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

Read more: Villanueva secures student aid expansion for all Illinois residents

Villanueva expands student aid access for all Illinois residents

• HB 460
• Student aid

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to break down barriers to higher education, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation that ensures all Illinois residents—regardless of background—have the opportunity to apply for and receive student aid.

“This legislation builds on our commitment to equity by ensuring that all Illinois students—no matter where they were born—have a fair shot at accessing the resources they need to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “If a student calls Illinois home and is pursuing higher education, they deserve our support.”

House Bill 460 would guarantee that any student who resides in Illinois can be considered for state funded, locally funded, or publicly administered student financial aid, including programs offered by state agencies, local governments, and public colleges and universities.

The legislation aligns the eligibility rules for state and local student aid programs, ensuring consistency across the board and removing confusion that may prevent students from accessing the support they need to pursue their educational goals.

With House Bill 460, public institutions and government entities across Illinois would be required to apply the same inclusive standards when determining student aid eligibility—creating a clearer, more equitable path for students working to better their futures.

“This is about making higher education more accessible and removing bureaucratic hurdles for those already contributing to our communities,” Villanueva said. “Illinois thrives when all of its students are empowered to succeed.”

House Bill 460 passed the Senate Education Committee Wednesday.