CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Texas’ governor chartered buses to transport immigrants from Texas to Chicago as part of his aggressive border policy:

“The violence, cruelty and trauma immigrants face both as they work to flee their home country and at the American border is simply inhumane. While I am both disheartened and disgusted that the Texas government has treated human lives like they don’t matter, I am not surprised.

“Yet I am thankful to live and work in a state that welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants who are protected by good policy. We will continue to work diligently to provide a safe space and necessary resources for those who have dealt with much uncertainty. Chicago is – and will continue to be – a welcoming safe haven to any person who needs such help.”

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CHICAGO – La Senadora Estatal Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) dio a conocer la siguiente declaración luego de que el gobernado de Texas rentara autobuses para transportar inmigrantes de Texas a Chicago, como parte de su política migratoria agresiva.

“La violencia, crueldad y trauma que enfrentan los inmigrantes cuando abandonan sus países de origen, y en la frontera de Estados Unidos son simplemente inhumanos. Mientras que estoy desconsolada y siento repudio porque el gobierno de Texas trata las vidas humanas como si no tuvieran importancia, tampoco me sorprende.

“No obstante, estoy agradecida de vivir y trabajar en un estado que da la bienvenida a los refugiados e inmigrantes que están protegidos aquí por buenas políticas públicas. Seguiremos trabajando con diligencia para ofrecer espacios seguros y los recursos necesarios para quienes tienen que lidiar con gran incertidumbre. Chicago es -y seguirá siendo- un refugio que da la bienvenida a cualquier persona que necesita este tipo de ayuda.”

Chicago – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Celina Villanueva, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced nearly $13 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.

“Through these investments, both local residents and tourists will be able to travel more safely,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By investing in our infrastructure, we are investing in our communities.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan, the district Villanueva represents will see six infrastructure projects totaling more than $20 million.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include the bridge replacement at Sanitary & Ship Canal and the reconstruction of bridges at ILL 43 near Harlem Avenue.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“These investments won’t just bring forth safer, stronger infrastructure, they will bring forth good paying jobs to help stabilize our local economy,” said Villanueva.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 11^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

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Chicago – Edificando sobre las inversiones en infraestructura inteligente apoyadas por la Senadora Estatal Celina Villanueva, el Departamento de Transporte de Illinois anunció cerca de $13 millones en proyectos para mejorar carreteras en el área.

“A través de estas inversiones, residentes y turistas podrán viajar con mayor seguridad,” dijo Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Al invertir en nuestra infraestructura, estamos invirtiendo en nuestras comunidades.”

Como parte del plan de varios años de IDOT, el distrito que representa Villanueva recibirá seis proyectos de infraestructura con un valor total de $20 millones.

Algunos de los proyectos vitales que se realizarán en esta área incluyen el reemplazo de un puente en Sanitary & Ship Canal, y la reconstrucción de puentes en Illinois 43, cerca de la avenida Harlem.

Estos proyectos son parte del plan de IDOT, que incluye inversiones por $34,600 millones en proyectos de construcción a realizarse en los próximos seis años fiscales.

Los $34,600 millones serán destinados a la reconstrucción y preservación de autopistas, mejoras a puentes, ampliaciones estratégicas, sistemas de soporte como ingeniería y adquisición de terrenos, y modernización de sistemas de seguridad. A lo largo de seis años este financiamiento será distribuido para mejorar más de 2,500 millas de carreteras y cerca de 10 millones de pies cuadrados de puentes.

“Estas inversiones no solo generarán una infraestructura más segura, también crearán trabajos bien pagados para contribuir a estabilizar la economía local,” dijo Villanueva.

Para ver la lista completa de proyectos programados para el distrito 11 del Senado, visite el sitio de internet de IDOT.

CHICAGO – To prepare students as they head back to the classroom, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a free back to school resource fair tomorrow, Aug. 17.

The back to school resource fair will take place from 4- 7 p.m. at Ortiz De Dominguez Elementary School’s Gary/Ortiz Campus, located at 3000 S Lawndale Ave. in Chicago. During the free event, students of all ages will be able to receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, until supplies last.

“Back to school is a critical time of the year for students and parents,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Being able to help those in the community gain more educational resources before the schoolyear starts can lead to a successful academic year.”

For more information, people can contact Senator Villanueva’s office at 773-933-7715 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

State Senator Celina Villanueva issued the following statement regarding the recent instance of hate speech directed at a contractor and member of the Berwyn community by an employee of the city and former Berwyn 100 school board member:

“Although I believe it was appropriate to terminate the person responsible for instigating hate in our community, the firing of this person was the bare minimum. There is still more we can do to make sure this does not happen again.

 “I stand with Mr. Robbin, and I urge the City of Berwyn to take additional meaningful action—call for an open and independent investigation and ensure others you employ understand the damage and pain racist remarks cause not only to the individual, but the community at large. Additionally, the State’s Attorney should investigate whether Ms. Lopez’s conduct constitutes a criminal offense.

Read more: Senator Villanueva urges further investigation on Berwyn hate speech incident