Villanueva advances measure to increase business loan opportunities for underserved communities

• SB 3807
• Equity

SPRINGFIELD – In order to give minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses better opportunities, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to allow these marginalized groups to apply for up to $2 million in loans.

“By establishing better business incentives for underrepresented populations, we encourage long-term success and sustainability in disadvantaged communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is important that we continue to break systemic barriers that these communities face in order to see long-lasting change.”

Senate Bill 3807 would encourage more people to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Minority, Veteran, Female and Disability Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $400,000 to $2 million.

“In prioritizing the marginalized groups that have not been properly represented in the business sector in the past, we empower entire communities,” said Villanueva. “These investments are not only a matter of social responsibility, but strategic investment in long-term vitality.”

Senate Bill 3807 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

Villanueva aboga por facilitar los traslados universitarios

• Higher Education
• SB3081

SPRINGFIELD — La Senadora Estatal Celina Villanueva avanzo una medida para facilitar y hacer más equitativo el proceso de traslado universitario a través de la exención de ciertas tasas de admisión.

"El acceso equitativo a la educación es de suma importancia, y los estudiantes en su último semestre deben tener la oportunidad de transferirse sin la carga de las tasas de solicitud," dijo Villanueva (D-Chicago). "Es nuestra responsabilidad garantizar que la transición de cada estudiante a la educación superior sea fluida y justa."

Read more: Villanueva aboga por facilitar los traslados universitarios

Villanueva champions measure to make college transfer process easier

• Higher Education
• SB3081

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to make the college transfer process easier and more equitable by waving certain admissions fees.

“Equitable access to education is of the upmost importance, and students in their final semester should have the opportunity to transfer without the burden of application fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is our responsibility to ensure every student’s transition into higher education is seamless and fair.”

Read more: Villanueva champions measure to make college transfer process easier

Villanueva’s measure to address application fee waivers for transfer students heads to Senate floor

• Higher Education

SPRINGFIELD — To further promote both public Illinois State Universities and community colleges, State Senator Celina Villanueva pushed legislation through the Senate Higher Education Committee to allow the waiver of admission application fees for a student transferring from an Illinois public community college.

“Students in their last semester of their program should have the ability to transfer without the unnecessary obstacles of application fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “While most institutions have a fee waiver process for low-income students, this process varies by institution and usually requires verification.”

Read more: Villanueva’s measure to address application fee waivers for transfer students heads to Senate floor