CHICAGO– In response to hate crimes in the district, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am outraged and disgusted by the recent acts of hate and vandalism that have taken place in our community– including outside of my own district office, on a pro-Palestinian mural on the side of a small business and two other community organizations. The display of swastikas and the phrase ‘ICE rules’–symbols rooted in fear, white supremacy and intimidation–are deliberate attempts to spread fear, stroke division and intimidate people who are already vulnerable. 

“What makes this especially disturbing is the complexity of what we’re witnessing: a swastika–long recognized as a symbol of violence and genocide against Jewish people– scrawled across spaces in a Mexican immigrant community, attacking our neighbors, our office and those who stand with Palestinians and global movements for justice. This act is layered in its hate– it’s antisemitic, anti-immigrant, anti-Arab, anti-Muslim and anti-Justice all at once.

“Let me be clear: there is no room for this kind of hate in our district or anywhere in Illinois. I stand in solidarity with all who have been harmed by this hateful act, who know too well the pain these symbols represent. I am working with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that those responsible are held accountable. 

“In moments like this, we must not shrink—we must rise. We must respond with unity, with courage and with an unshakable commitment to justice. Hate may try to take root here—but it will not grow. Not in our district. Not on our watch.”

CHICAGO – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This summer book club is about more than just turning pages — it’s about building a love for learning, celebrating our cultures, and giving our kids the tools to dream big,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I want every young person in our community to see themselves in the stories they read and to know their voices matter.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Villanueva’s office by Aug. 1. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a mystery prize from Senator Villanueva.

Summer Book Club forms are available for pick up at the district office, 2501 S. Central Park Ave., or to download at SenatorVillanueva.com. People with questions can reach out to Villanueva’s office at 847-672-6201.

SPRINGFIELD – Aiming to make reproductive health care more accessible for young adults, State Senator Celina Villanueva spearheaded a measure that would expand access to contraception and other essential services directly on campus.

“Our job as legislators is to listen and act—and students have been clear: they need care that meets them where they are,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This proposal ensures they can get the care they need where they are—on campus and on their terms.”

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to break down barriers to higher education, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation that ensures all Illinois residents—regardless of background—have the opportunity to apply for and receive student aid.

“This legislation builds on our commitment to equity by ensuring that all Illinois students—no matter where they were born—have a fair shot at accessing the resources they need to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “If a student calls Illinois home and is pursuing higher education, they deserve our support.”

House Bill 460 would guarantee that any student who resides in Illinois can be considered for state funded, locally funded, or publicly administered student financial aid, including programs offered by state agencies, local governments, and public colleges and universities.

The legislation aligns the eligibility rules for state and local student aid programs, ensuring consistency across the board and removing confusion that may prevent students from accessing the support they need to pursue their educational goals.

With House Bill 460, public institutions and government entities across Illinois would be required to apply the same inclusive standards when determining student aid eligibility—creating a clearer, more equitable path for students working to better their futures.

“This is about making higher education more accessible and removing bureaucratic hurdles for those already contributing to our communities,” Villanueva said. “Illinois thrives when all of its students are empowered to succeed.”

House Bill 460 passed the Senate Education Committee Wednesday.