Villanueva to host back to school resource fair this Wednesday

• Villanueva

CHICAGO – To prepare students as they head back to the classroom, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a free back to school resource fair tomorrow, Aug. 17.

The back to school resource fair will take place from 4- 7 p.m. at Ortiz De Dominguez Elementary School’s Gary/Ortiz Campus, located at 3000 S Lawndale Ave. in Chicago. During the free event, students of all ages will be able to receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, until supplies last.

“Back to school is a critical time of the year for students and parents,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Being able to help those in the community gain more educational resources before the schoolyear starts can lead to a successful academic year.”

For more information, people can contact Senator Villanueva’s office at 773-933-7715 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Senator Villanueva urges further investigation on Berwyn hate speech incident

• Hate Speech
• Community
• Berwyn

State Senator Celina Villanueva issued the following statement regarding the recent instance of hate speech directed at a contractor and member of the Berwyn community by an employee of the city and former Berwyn 100 school board member:

“Although I believe it was appropriate to terminate the person responsible for instigating hate in our community, the firing of this person was the bare minimum. There is still more we can do to make sure this does not happen again.

 “I stand with Mr. Robbin, and I urge the City of Berwyn to take additional meaningful action—call for an open and independent investigation and ensure others you employ understand the damage and pain racist remarks cause not only to the individual, but the community at large. Additionally, the State’s Attorney should investigate whether Ms. Lopez’s conduct constitutes a criminal offense.

Read more: Senator Villanueva urges further investigation on Berwyn hate speech incident

Back to School Health and Resource Fair

• Back to School
• School Resources
• Health

Read more: Back to School Health and Resource Fair

Villanueva: More undocumented residents now eligible for Medicaid

CHICAGO – Thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Celina Villanueva, undocumented residents 42 and older will now have access to Medicaid coverage. The new law that went into effect on July 1 expands the age group of individuals who qualify for Medicaid in the state.

“Everyone, regardless of citizenship status or income, deserves access to health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The expansion of Medicaid benefits to this group of people is a substantial step in achieving true equity in our health care system in Illinois.”

Read more: Villanueva: More undocumented residents now eligible for Medicaid