Villanueva leads measure to strengthen home care workforce and protect seniors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined frontline care workers Tuesday to outline a measure aimed at addressing Illinois’ growing care crisis by raising wages for home care workers under the Community Care Program.

“Care workers are heroes. Every day, they provide essential services that allow seniors and our most vulnerable neighbors to live with dignity,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Right now, poverty wages are pushing caregivers out of the industry, leading to understaffing, burnout and high turnover. Without action, families across Illinois will continue to struggle to find the care their loved ones need. This measure will help fix this crisis by ensuring that home care workers are paid a fair, living wage.”

Senate Bill 120 would set a new wage floor of $20 per hour to stabilize the workforce and ensure that seniors and people with disabilities receive the high-quality care they deserve. Illinois’ Community Care Program helps more than 65,000 seniors remain in their homes instead of entering costly nursing facilities. However, a growing shortage of home care workers is making it harder for families to secure care. Many caregivers are leaving the field because wages are too low to support themselves and their families, forcing seniors into unsafe and uncertain situations.

“We cannot allow our parents and grandparents to fend for themselves without access to life-saving care,” said Villanueva. “Care can’t wait. Seniors know it. Their families know it. Our home care workers know it. It’s time for Springfield to act.”

Senate Bill 120 awaits to be heard by the Senate Appropriations - Health and Human Services Committee.

Villanueva introduces bill to regulate predatory towing

• SB 2040
• Towing regulation

SPRINGFIELD – In response to predatory towing practices that take advantage of Illinois motorists, State Senator Celina Villanueva introduced a measure to strengthen enforcement against bad actors and ensure safer roads for drivers during a press conference Wednesday. 

“Legitimate, law-abiding towers also suffer from these bad practices,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villanueva introduces bill to regulate predatory towing

Karina’s Law signed to protect domestic violence survivors thanks to Villanueva

• Karina's Law
• Violence prevention

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s transformative measure aimed at safeguarding survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law.  Karina’s Law enables the swift confiscation of firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders, addressing critical gaps that have left survivors at risk.

“This law reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding survivors when they need it most,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Karina’s Law empowers law enforcement to act decisively, preventing tragedies and honoring the memory of Karina and Daniela.”

Read more: Karina’s Law signed to protect domestic violence survivors thanks to Villanueva

Villanueva passes Karina’s Law to protect domestic violence survivors

• Karina's Law
• HB 4144

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed Karina’s Law, a groundbreaking measure designed to enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence by allowing for the prompt confiscation of firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders. The legislation, named in honor of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela, addresses critical gaps in current laws that left survivors vulnerable to harm.

“Today, we honor Karina and Daniela by taking decisive action to protect domestic violence survivors,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Karina’s Law ensures that firearms are removed from the hands of abusers when survivors need protection the most. This legislation is a life-saving step forward for Illinois families.”

Read more: Villanueva passes Karina’s Law to protect domestic violence survivors