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

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