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.”

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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

Villanueva marks March 12 as Equal Pay Day

• Equality
• Pay gap

SPRINGFIELD — Women who work full-time are paid on average 16% less than men – leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 12, 2024 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

“The gender pay gap is unacceptable – when we pay women less, we are telling them their work isn’t as valuable,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and to stand up against a society that has silenced women’s voices for far too long.”

Senate Resolution 774 declares March 12, 2024 Equal Pay Day to further encourage people to educate themselves about the pay gap women experience. The pay gap varies significantly among different communities, and other Equal Pay Days reflect that every group is impacted by the pay gap. The average woman has to until March 12 in order to bridge the pay gap. LGBTQIA+ people must work until June 15 to bridge the gap, Black women until July 27, moms until August 15, and Latina women until October 5. Native women must work until November 30, while Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women must work until April 5 to earn the same as the average man.

“Women are vital parts of society – and it’s time we address equality and systemic discrimination on a legislative level,” said Villanueva. “I will continue to advocate for fair compensation and challenge discriminatory practices until we see tangible change.”

Senate Resolution 774 was adopted by the Senate Tuesday.