SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva secured $550,000 to help EDDR Foundation Chicago build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades.

"This investment in EDDR Foundation is about breaking down barriers and building up opportunities for workers in our communities," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "These pre-apprenticeship programs are a vital step toward stable, long-term careers in the trades—especially for individuals who’ve historically been left out of these opportunities."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Villanueva’s district, the EDDR Foundation’s Cook County location will see a total of $550,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

"Job training isn’t just about employment—it’s about equity, economic mobility, and building a stronger future for our neighborhoods," Villanueva continued. "We’re investing in people to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed."

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to predatory towing practices that take advantage of Illinois drivers, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation to strengthen enforcement against bad actors and ensure safer roads for drivers. 

"For too long, predatory towing operators have taken advantage of unsuspecting drivers, leaving them with outrageous fees, missing belongings, and no recourse,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This legislation is about restoring fairness and accountability to the system, ensuring that no one falls victim to these deceptive practices.”

SPRINGFIELD — Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women across the country still do not earn wages equal to those of their male counterparts —leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 25, 2025 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

"Equal pay is not just a women's issue—it is an economic issue that affects families, communities, and the overall health of our economy," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "We must continue to push for policies that close the wage gap and ensure that every worker in Illinois is fairly compensated for their work."

Senate Resolution 158 highlights the pay disparities faced by women and other marginalized groups. The average woman must work until March 25 to earn what the average man earned the previous year.

However, for many women, the gap is even greater. Asian American women must work until April 7 to bridge the gap, Black women until July 10, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women until Aug. 28. Latinas must work until Oct. 8, Disabled women until Oct. 23, and Native women until Nov. 18. Moms face a significant pay gap as well, with their Equal Pay Day falling on May 6, and LGBTQIA+ individuals must work until June 17 to earn the same as their male counterparts.

Senate Resolution 158 is an initiative of the American Association of University Women, a national organization dedicated to advancing gender equity through research, education, and advocacy. The resolution encourages people to learn about the history and impact of the gender pay gap and take action toward closing wage disparities.

"As long as these gaps exist, our fight for pay equity continues," said Villanueva. "Illinois is proud to be a leader in advancing economic justice, but we must remain vigilant to ensure that all workers – regardless of gender, race or background – receive equal pay for equal work."

Senate Resolution 158 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined frontline care workers Tuesday to outline a measure aimed at addressing Illinois’ growing care crisis by raising wages for home care workers under the Community Care Program.

“Care workers are heroes. Every day, they provide essential services that allow seniors and our most vulnerable neighbors to live with dignity,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Right now, poverty wages are pushing caregivers out of the industry, leading to understaffing, burnout and high turnover. Without action, families across Illinois will continue to struggle to find the care their loved ones need. This measure will help fix this crisis by ensuring that home care workers are paid a fair, living wage.”

Senate Bill 120 would set a new wage floor of $20 per hour to stabilize the workforce and ensure that seniors and people with disabilities receive the high-quality care they deserve. Illinois’ Community Care Program helps more than 65,000 seniors remain in their homes instead of entering costly nursing facilities. However, a growing shortage of home care workers is making it harder for families to secure care. Many caregivers are leaving the field because wages are too low to support themselves and their families, forcing seniors into unsafe and uncertain situations.

“We cannot allow our parents and grandparents to fend for themselves without access to life-saving care,” said Villanueva. “Care can’t wait. Seniors know it. Their families know it. Our home care workers know it. It’s time for Springfield to act.”

Senate Bill 120 awaits to be heard by the Senate Appropriations - Health and Human Services Committee.