SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure through the Senate to ensure those who plead guilty to a possession charge receive a second chance in exchange for diversion into a probation program.

“Supportive measures like this allow first-time offenders of possession to reintegrate into society with the tools they need to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Harsh penalties only serve to solidify a cycle of recidivism.”

Currently, a person who successfully completes a probation program will have their sentence or conviction vacated. This clean record applies while the person is enrolled in the program as well as for those who successfully complete the program.

House Bill 5285 would protect individuals who plead guilty to a possession charge in exchange for diversion into a probation program with the promise that a felony will not be included on their record upon successful completion of the program. This measure is necessary because background checks often misinterpret diversion into special probation programs as a “conviction.”

“First-time offenders deserve a second chance rather than severe penalties,” said Villanueva. “This measure encourages compassion and restores hope for a society that believes in second chances and recognizes that people can learn from their mistakes and contribute positively to their communities.”

House Bill 5285 passed Senate Thursday and heads to the governor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva – a longstanding championing of protecting reproductive health care – was proud to support the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which prioritizes choice, education, fiscal responsibility and more.

“Illinois has long been a safe haven for people – both in and out of state – to receive the health care they need,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Today we take another step toward inclusivity by increasing support to reproductive health initiatives, signaling to women that their lives matter.”

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget passed by the Senate Wednesday includes an $18 million investment to support reproductive health initiatives. Illinois has continued to take monumental leaps toward enshrining reproductive and gender affirming health care rights into law – and this is yet another step toward prioritizing these needs.

The budget also continues the commitment of a $350 million increase toward the evidence based funding model for K-12 education, and increases Monetary Award Program funding by $100 million – to a total of $701 million. This investment into MAP funding will ensure everyone at or below the median income can go to community college for free. The budget also allocates $3 million for a program to make textbooks cheaper or free for students, dismantling another barrier toward perusing higher education.

“People often feel deterred from higher education because of the high costs. There’s no reason any person – regardless of income – shouldn’t have access to continuing their education,” said Villanueva. “We have taken a positive step toward ensuring anyone in Illinois can afford college.”

A firm believer that educational success starts at birth, Villanueva was also proud to see an investment of $250 million for early childhood to expand preschool, stabilize the childcare workforce and increase early intervention services.

“Monumental investment into education – from preschool to college – aren’t just investments into our children, they’re investments into our communities,” said Villanueva. “By investing in a brighter future for our residents and communities, we are making sure that Illinois remains the most progressive and welcoming state in the nation.”

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget passed the Senate Thursday.

-30-

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Villanueva championed legislation that allows charter schools to unionize without being penalized by management of the charter school.

“Employees of charter schools should never be made to feel like their voices do not matter and their teaching is not important,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “All teachers play a vital role in the educational success of our state’s students.” 

House Bill 1120 is an initiative of the Chicago Teachers' Union that seeks to ensure that if the staff at a charter school chooses to form a union, the management of the charter school will not interfere. 

 “Ensuring teachers will have equal opportunities, rights and respect is how we can garner a higher amount of qualified and trained teachers across the state,” said Villanueva.

House Bill 1120 passed in the Senate.

###

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva expressed her support Wednesday for the proposed investments to expand housing support, prepare children to be lifelong learners, and make schools more equitable.

 Among the proposals is a $350 million investment to target prevention of homelessness, provide crisis response, expand housing support and increase job opportunities for the homeless.

 “Underserved Latinx communities throughout Illinois continue to face immense disparities when it comes to receiving affordable and sustainable housing solutions,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With homelessness on the rise and inflation costs plummeting, we need to take the necessary action to ensure that underserved communities have the proper resources and shelter they need to feel safe and secure.”

 The governor’s proposed budget also prioritizes education from preschool to college by increasing preschool availability, fully funding K-12 education and increasing allocations toward MAP Grants.

 “Education is a top priority of mine, and I am glad the budget proposal focuses on our state’s most vulnerable students,” Villanueva said. “Education is the foundation to success, growth and a brighter future.”

 Villanueva will negotiate a fair and equitable budget in the months to come.

###