Villanueva moves to establish domestic violence commission

• Domestic violence
• SB 685

SPRINGFIELD – To protect women and children in Illinois, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Senate Public Safety Committee that would establish the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission.

“Incidents of domestic violence have increased dramatically since the start of the pandemic,” Villanueva said. “Families are counting on us to take proactive measures to prevent violence.”

Read more: Villanueva moves to establish domestic violence commission

Villanueva fights for student parents

• Higher Education
• SB 267

SPRINGFIELD – To help public colleges and universities better understand the needs of student parents, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Senate Higher Education Committee directing colleges to collect certain information from students that will help shape more accommodating policies going forward.

“Young parents and parents returning to school face unique challenges, specifically with access to child care and financial assistance,” Villanueva said. “Public institutions of higher education have a moral obligation to the children of their students to see that they are cared for.”

Read more: Villanueva fights for student parents

Villanueva moves to allow unionization of charter school teachers

• Education
• Labor

SPRINGFIELD – To allow teachers and staff at charter schools the right to collective bargaining, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) moved legislation in the Senate Education Committee that would protect their right to unionize.

“Teachers have been on the front lines of the pandemic since day one fighting for living wages and safe, dignified conditions,” Villanueva said. “Teachers across the city, especially at charter schools, must have the ability to unionize so that their students can succeed.”

Read more: Villanueva moves to allow unionization of charter school teachers

Villanueva encourages suburban residents to apply for rent assistance program

• Rental assistance

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) encouraged suburban residents of Cook County to catch up on past rent with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extended a nationwide moratorium on evictions.

“Even though evictions are halted, rent is still due for working families,” Villanueva said. “Assistance is available to families struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can cover up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities and up to three months of future rent payments. Applicants must live in Suburban Cook County and meet income requirements. Applications close April 2, 2021.

The CDC extended a federal moratorium on evictions for non-payment through June 30, 2021. One in six renters across the country missed payments as of March 2021, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino/a/x communities.

Residents can apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online or by calling 877-426-6515.