CHICAGO – After developers announced they will resume the demolition of the Crawford Coal Plant beginning Friday, June 5, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“The continued demolition of a coal plant in the ZIP code with the highest amount of COVID-19 cases is unacceptable. Our efforts should be spent addressing the public health crisis affecting our communities, not compounding it’s damage.

SPRINGFIELD – After lawmakers passed the state budget, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am proud to vote for a budget that doesn't leave behind the most vulnerable people in our community even in light of the incredible challenges we now face. Immigration services and welcoming centers will see multimillion-dollar increases when compared to last year. I am grateful to the negotiators, Senators Aquino, Ellman, Manar, Sims and Steans, for working so hard to address disproportionately impacted communities.

“We are also committing to higher education by maintaining a steady level of funding. MAP grants, AIM HIGH and other assistance programs will receive no cuts even during these difficult times.

"I urge the governor to sign this budget and ensure our state remains strong during the pandemic."

SPRINGFIELD – With essential workers facing more risks on the job, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) voted to pass a labor package that increases public employee benefits, protects retail workers and expands collective bargaining rights.

“Working people deserve dignity on the job,” Villanueva said. “Expanding paid disability leave, legal protections and the right to negotiate a fair wage will ensure that they have a safety net.”

SPRINGFIELD – With public health concerns surrounding the 2020 General Election, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) voted to pass a historic election package out of the Illinois Senate.

“Participating in our democracy is a right, not a privilege,” Villanueva said. “Voters need to be able to cast their ballot without putting themselves or others at risk.”

The 2020 Election Omnibus Bill would establish Election Day as a state holiday, extend early voting and expand voting hours on Election Day. Any person who has voted in the past two years would also receive a vote by mail application for a ballot in their mailbox. These provisions, however, are only applicable to the 2020 General Election.