Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva

Villanueva joins Clerk Valencia in uplifting local Pilsen businesses

Details: Category: News; Friday, May 15, 2026 03:08 PM

CHICAGO – To uplift Chicago businesses experiencing economic hardship, State Senator Celina Villanueva joined local businesses in Pilsen during “Shopping in Solidarity” on Friday, an initiative of the office of City Clerk Anna M. Valencia to encourage Chicagoans to shop across the city.

“Local businesses are the backbone of Pilsen, with restaurants and shops alike creating jobs for our residents and preserving the rich Mexican roots of our community,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The businesses on 18th Street are critical for backing the neighborhood’s economy as well as helping preserve the culture and aesthetic of Pilsen that Chicagoans recognize today. Taking the time to visit some of these businesses to show support and listen to their concerns is essential for uplifting the communities I serve.”

In response to a combination of federal funding cuts, immigration raids and tariffs that are resulting in a steeper cost of living for residents and forcing families to cut back on spending, the Office of the City Clerk launched Shopping in Solidarity to help boost foot traffic at local businesses.

Villanueva leads measure to strengthen identity protections for youth in state’s care

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, May 13, 2026 05:33 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading a measure that aims to close gaps in Illinois’ child welfare laws and strengthen non-discrimination protections for youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“Unfortunately, there have been too many cases where children are placed in the care of DCFS – with relatives, in residential group settings or in foster homes – and they aren’t treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, especially when it comes to their individual identity,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “No child wants to be separated from their parents, but if that is the safest option, we have to ensure not only that the new living environment that child is entering supports their identity and needs, but also that the staff overseeing that child supports those things.”

House Bill 4966, also known as the SECURE Act, would enshrine enforceable standards of conduct for DCFS staff and caregivers of youth in care and ensure children, especially LGBTQ+ youth, receive the same services if placed out of state as they would in Illinois. Under Villanueva’s proposal, the department would be required to protect youth in care from unnecessary and unapproved disclosure of their sensitive identity information, including personal data that is linked or reasonably linkable to a child and identifies the child's sexual orientation. It would also create a process for DCFS to abide by if it discloses sensitive identity information and would require the department to provide notice to the youth.

Villanueva measure to solidify protections for domestic violence survivors passes Senate

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, April 29, 2026 05:05 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure that would ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.

“It has been proven time and time again that when an abuser has access to a firearm, it increases the likelihood of domestic violence lethality more than tenfold, which is exactly why I have fought to safeguard victims of domestic violence in Illinois by allowing for the confiscation of an abuser’s firearms,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “However, our work is far from over, and this measure is one more step we can take to ensure the safety of Illinoisans – especially women and children – is taken seriously by our state’s justice system.”

Senate Bill 3329 would solidify protections for victims of domestic violence under Karina’s Law. Signed into law in February 2025, Karina’s Law addresses the growing concern surrounding firearms and domestic violence by clarifying and strengthening the law around orders of protection, requiring law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge issuing an order revoking the individual’s FOID card.

Villanueva measure to advance Illinois’ environmental justice protections one step closer to law

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, April 29, 2026 05:05 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led legislation through the Senate that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“We know that underserved, low-income and minority communities have been forced to carry a heavier burden when it comes to pollution exposure – from air toxins to industrial waste to traffic pollution,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By requiring the evaluation of potential environmental impacts, this measure will guarantee industries are considering the health and well-being of all Illinoisans when reviewing pollution control permits, especially communities that have already endured marginalization for generations.”

Senate Bill 3772 would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate environmental justice factors when reviewing certain air pollution construction permit applications. The proposal would require the IEPA to evaluate whether a proposed facility is located in an area of environmental justice concern and determine whether additional safeguards may be needed.

Welcome

Welcome to my official Senate website. This will be your tool for news about what I am doing in Springfield, important information regarding the 12th District and events taking place in and around our community.

It is important to me to have a resource available to my constituents with content necessary to keep you informed as well as a place to have your voice heard. Please continue to visit this site as it grows and see how I am working for you.

— Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva

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Office Info

Springfield Office:
Stratton Office Building
401 S. Spring St.
Section C, Office F
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-5304

District Office:
2501 S. Central Park Ave.
Front Suite
Chicago, IL 60623
773-565-4661