CHICAGO — State Senator Celina Villanueva recently announced that $424,368 in total has been granted to the Aquinas Literacy Center, Instituto del Progreso Latino, Touch Gift Foundation, and Universidad Popular’s adult and family literacy programs.

“This funding is crucial as literacy programs empower residents to advocate for themselves,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Supporting these programs, specifically in underserved communities, supports not only education but health, social connections and job readiness, all of which lead to a stronger, more stable community.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

The goal of these grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”

A full list of grantees can be found here.

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including $525,000 for workforce development programs in the 12^th Senate District.

“Programs like JTED help create opportunities for Illinoisans who need it the most,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By providing funding, support services are available to equip people with education, skills and training that will benefit them, their families and the state’s economy.”

The Job Training and Economic Development program provides workforce training and wraparound services to help bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. Funds from this program aim to address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented who have one or more barriers to employment that are identified as risk factors.

This is the second round of funding from the JTED program, awarding over $15 million to 33 organizations across Illinois. Midwest Asian Health Association, which falls within Villanueva’s district, is set to receive $525,000 from the program.

“The continued success of the JTED program is a testament to the importance of intentional investments in Illinois’ world-class workforce,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This funding will support services to underemployed, unemployed and underrepresented communities and provide individuals access to good paying job opportunities.”

For more information on job training services, visit DCEO’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s measure to create the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment was signed into law Friday – furthering her commitment to uplifting minority, women, veteran and disabled business owners.

“The Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment will ensure that equitable resources and opportunities will remain available to businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “These necessary previsions protect the future of underrepresented businesses across the state.”

Senate Bill 859 creates the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, further protecting equity initiatives. While DCEO has the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, it is not written into law. Villanueva’s law will preserve equity initiatives through the formal establishment of the office, and continue its current efforts supporting underserved business owners.

“Protective approaches are essential when discussing the progress of our state as far as equity and inclusion is concerned,” said Villanueva. “Planning ahead safeguards the future for businesses in marginalized communities.”

Senate Bill 859 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law, championed by State Senator Celina Villanueva, will allow driver’s license holders more notice for court appearances prior to suspension.

“Drivers are not receiving notice of court dates and unknowingly having their driving privileges revoked. This is a major issue that leads to severe consequences,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law will allow drivers the curtesy of electronic notice of court dates to reduce the possibility of suspension or further legal issues.”

Under House Bill 277, if a person fails to appear in court, the court may text, call or email the person's last known contact information with notice regarding the continued court dates. The notice will include a statement that a future failure to appear could result in a warrant or consequences affecting their driving privileges. The current penalty for failure to appear in court is immediate license suspension by the Secretary of State.

“In this digital age where we are likely to get unknown driving citations due to cameras on every corner, we need to make sure people are being notified in the same manner and snail mail is simply unreliable,” said Villanueva. “Driving privileges are a necessity and this will reduce the possibility of legal penalties and cycles of legal non-compliance.”

House Bill 277 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.