SPRINGFIELD – To help young adults improve their financial literacy, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) moved legislation that would create the Equity through Financial Literacy Task Force from the Senate Human Rights Committee today.

“Knowing how to navigate complex financial systems is necessary for young adults to be successful,” Villanueva said. “We must be proactive in educating young people on how to stay safe from financial predators and how to overcome systemic barriers to capital.”

SPRINGFIELD – To protect women and children in Illinois, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Senate Public Safety Committee that would establish the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission.

“Incidents of domestic violence have increased dramatically since the start of the pandemic,” Villanueva said. “Families are counting on us to take proactive measures to prevent violence.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help public colleges and universities better understand the needs of student parents, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Senate Higher Education Committee directing colleges to collect certain information from students that will help shape more accommodating policies going forward.

“Young parents and parents returning to school face unique challenges, specifically with access to child care and financial assistance,” Villanueva said. “Public institutions of higher education have a moral obligation to the children of their students to see that they are cared for.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) encouraged suburban residents of Cook County to catch up on past rent with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) extended a nationwide moratorium on evictions.

“Even though evictions are halted, rent is still due for working families,” Villanueva said. “Assistance is available to families struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can cover up to 12 months of missed rent and utilities and up to three months of future rent payments. Applicants must live in Suburban Cook County and meet income requirements. Applications close April 2, 2021.

The CDC extended a federal moratorium on evictions for non-payment through June 30, 2021. One in six renters across the country missed payments as of March 2021, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino/a/x communities.

Residents can apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online or by calling 877-426-6515.