News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led legislation through the Senate that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“We know that underserved, low-income and minority communities have been forced to carry a heavier burden when it comes to pollution exposure – from air toxins to industrial waste to traffic pollution,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By requiring the evaluation of potential environmental impacts, this measure will guarantee industries are considering the health and well-being of all Illinoisans when reviewing pollution control permits, especially communities that have already endured marginalization for generations.”

Senate Bill 3772 would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate environmental justice factors when reviewing certain air pollution construction permit applications. The proposal would require the IEPA to evaluate whether a proposed facility is located in an area of environmental justice concern and determine whether additional safeguards may be needed.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is spearheading a measure to ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.

“Previous gaps in Illinois’ law left survivors vulnerable to continued harm from their abusers, but we enhanced protections to close those gaps last year, and now it’s time to see those enhancements fully realized – for the well-being of survivors, their families and their communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By advancing this measure, we’re continuing to put the safety not only of survivors, but also the larger community, at the forefront; ensuring individuals who intend to cause harm are met with full and proper enforcement of Illinois’ law.”

Senate Bill 3329 would solidify protections for victims of domestic violence under Karina’s Law. Signed into law in Feb. 2025, Karina’s Law addresses the growing concern surrounding firearms and domestic violence by clarifying and strengthening the law around orders of protection, requiring law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge issuing an order revoking the individual’s FOID card.

Illinois Senate recognizes March 31 as Farmworkers Day and April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led two resolutions through the Illinois Senate to honor the legacy of farmworkers and uplift one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. The measures designate March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is reaffirming Illinois’ commitment to pay equity by recognizing March 26 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois — marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year.

“Equal pay is about fairness, but it’s also about economic stability for families and communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “When women are paid less, households have less to spend, save and invest. Closing the wage gap strengthens our entire economy.”