SPRINGFIELD — To further promote both public Illinois State Universities and community colleges, State Senator Celina Villanueva pushed legislation through the Senate Higher Education Committee to allow the waiver of admission application fees for a student transferring from an Illinois public community college.

“Students in their last semester of their program should have the ability to transfer without the unnecessary obstacles of application fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “While most institutions have a fee waiver process for low-income students, this process varies by institution and usually requires verification.”

SPRINGFIELD — Women who work full-time are paid on average 16% less than men – leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 12, 2024 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

“The gender pay gap is unacceptable – when we pay women less, we are telling them their work isn’t as valuable,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and to stand up against a society that has silenced women’s voices for far too long.”

Senate Resolution 774 declares March 12, 2024 Equal Pay Day to further encourage people to educate themselves about the pay gap women experience. The pay gap varies significantly among different communities, and other Equal Pay Days reflect that every group is impacted by the pay gap. The average woman has to until March 12 in order to bridge the pay gap. LGBTQIA+ people must work until June 15 to bridge the gap, Black women until July 27, moms until August 15, and Latina women until October 5. Native women must work until November 30, while Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women must work until April 5 to earn the same as the average man.

“Women are vital parts of society – and it’s time we address equality and systemic discrimination on a legislative level,” said Villanueva. “I will continue to advocate for fair compensation and challenge discriminatory practices until we see tangible change.”

Senate Resolution 774 was adopted by the Senate Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure that would give minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses the opportunity to apply for up to $2 million in loans.

“Establishing better business incentives for our underrepresented populations, such as minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities, helps create a more inclusive business ecosystem,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This will greatly impact communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth.”

Senate Bill 3807 will encourage more people to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Minority, Veteran, Female and Disability Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $400,000 to $2 million.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva introduced a measure that would create the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment to assist minority, women, veteran and disabled business owners through providing outreach and promotional activities. 

“The creation of the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment offers necessary protection for minorities, women, veterans, and those with disabilities,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “This measure ensures these resources and opportunities will be safeguarded in the future.”

Senate Bill 3805 would create 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 measure would preserve equity initiatives through the formal establishment of the office, and continue its current efforts supporting underserved business owners.

“It is important that we prioritize the protection of existing organizations that offer equitable access to resources and opportunities,” said Villanueva. “Planning ahead will ensure people have access to resources later.”

Senate Bill 3805 passed the Senate State Government Committee and now waits to be heard before the full Senate.