Villanueva secures over $180,000 for Chicago’s Blue Island transit providers

• IDOT
• Blue Island
• Chicago

CHICAGO – Due to unwavering support from State Senator Celina Villanueva, a Chicago Blue Island transit provider was awarded more than $180,000 to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options.

“Public transportation is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B, it is the lifeline of communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This funding will help connect people to opportunities and pave the way for a brighter more inclusive future.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Read more: Villanueva secures over $180,000 for Chicago’s Blue Island transit providers

Villanueva encouraged by investments in vulnerable communities in governor’s budget

• Pritzker
• Budget Address
• Social services
• Educación

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva expressed her support Wednesday for the commitment to maintain investments in higher education affordability, workforce development, social services and education included in Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget.

“The Fiscal Year 2025 proposed budget continues to keep the needs of families and students at the forefront,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “These funds are essential to vulnerable communities who may not be able to otherwise afford to continue their education.”

The proposed budget seeks to increase Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding by $10 million – for a total of over $700 million.

The governor’s proposal also carries forward the $400 million set aside in previous years for efforts that support job creation and business development through the Invest in Illinois closing fund initiative. It would also invest $30 million to the fast-track workforce program to provide employee screening, recruitment and job training development to employers.

“Illinois has done considerable work in prioritizing underrepresented communities throughout the state in the past,” said Villanueva. “I plan to negotiate a fair and equitable budget in the months ahead.”

Villanueva disappointed by action on deceptive practice law

• Statement
• Reproductive Rights

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva released the following statement in light of the decision to not enforce crisis pregnancy center fraud law:

“We took a positive step in Illinois to ensure that people are protected against false and misleading advertisement and practices that could potentially harm them during their most vulnerable state. I am disappointed in the decision that will not allow our state to enforce the law – no longer giving us the power to hold those who are intentionally misleading accountable for their harmful deceptive practices.

“While I am extremely disappointed by this decision, I will continue to fight for reproductive rights in Illinois. I remain hopeful that Attorney General Raoul will enforce necessary repercussions against shady pregnancy centers through current consumer fraud and deceptive practices laws.”

Villanueva encourages eligible households to apply for utility bill assistance

• Relief
• safety

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva urges eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“As the winter weather settles in, it is essential all households are able stay warm and safe this year,” said Villanueva (D- Chicago). “Assistance is now available for all income-eligible families across the state – so be sure to apply if your household qualifies.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.