Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva
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Villanueva advances measure to create Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment

Details
Category: News
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 01:18 PM
  • Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Equity
  • SB859

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SPRINGFIELD – Underserved business owners could soon have more support through a new Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment under a measure passed by State Senator Celina Villanueva.

“Creating the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment ensures that businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and those with disabilities are protected,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With this office, established resources and programs remain readily available to these underrepresented businesses.”

Senate Bill 859 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.

“In prioritizing the protection of equitable access to resources and programs, we provide opportunities for historically marginalized communities,” said Villanueva. “This proactive approach is essential for progress in equity and inclusion.”

Senate Bill 859 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

Villanueva advances measure to increase business loan opportunities for underserved communities

Details
Category: News
Friday, April 12, 2024 12:59 PM
  • SB 3807
  • Equity

CV3807

SPRINGFIELD – In order to give minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses better opportunities, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to allow these marginalized groups to apply for up to $2 million in loans.

“By establishing better business incentives for underrepresented populations, we encourage long-term success and sustainability in disadvantaged communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is important that we continue to break systemic barriers that these communities face in order to see long-lasting change.”

Senate Bill 3807 would 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.

“In prioritizing the marginalized groups that have not been properly represented in the business sector in the past, we empower entire communities,” said Villanueva. “These investments are not only a matter of social responsibility, but strategic investment in long-term vitality.”

Senate Bill 3807 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

Villanueva champions measure to make college transfer process easier

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Category: News
Friday, April 12, 2024 10:17 AM
  • Higher Education
  • SB3081

CV3081

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to make the college transfer process easier and more equitable by waving certain admissions fees.

“Equitable access to education is of the upmost importance, and students in their final semester should have the opportunity to transfer without the burden of application fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is our responsibility to ensure every student’s transition into higher education is seamless and fair.”

Read more: Villanueva champions measure to make college transfer process easier

Villanueva’s measure to address application fee waivers for transfer students heads to Senate floor

Details
Category: News
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 07:38 PM
  • Higher Education

Sen. Celina Villanueva

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.”

Read more: Villanueva’s measure to address application fee waivers for transfer students heads to Senate floor

More Articles …

  1. Villanueva marks March 12 as Equal Pay Day
  2. Villanueva measure to increase business loan opportunities for underserved communities
  3. Villanueva advances measure to create Office of Economic Equity
  4. Villanueva secures over $180,000 for Chicago’s Blue Island transit providers
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Office Info

Springfield Office:
Stratton Office Building
401 S. Spring St.
Section C, Office M
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-5304

District Office:
2501 S. Central Park Ave.
Front Suite
Chicago, IL 60623
773-565-4661

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