SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation that prevents students from changing their legal guardianship in an effort to qualify for need-based financial aid for college.

“When it comes to furthering education with limited resources, students will go to extreme measures to ensure a brighter future for themselves,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “However, no one should ever be put in a position where they have to decide between changing their guardianship and receiving financial aid in order to go to college.”

Senate Bill 195 is a direct response to previous public reports that Illinois students became eligible for need-based education financial assistance through the practice of "opportunity hoarding." Opportunity hoarding is the practice of exploiting a loophole in the Probate Act by transferring legal guardianship from a parent to a relative or friend in lower income brackets or by declaring financial independence.

According to ProPublica Illinois, the cost of tuition, fees and housing for full-time students at public universities in Illinois has doubled within the past 15 years.

These expenses pose a significant barrier for low-income households who are already struggling with the expenses of everyday necessities versus the wealthy who try to exploit financial assistance not meant for them.

“Providing more equitable paths to obtaining a college degree is of utmost importance,” said Villanueva. “We must help all students succeed, regardless of financial background.”  

Senate Bill 195 passed the Senate and moves to the House for further consideration.

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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase emergency contraception access on college campuses, State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure that would allow college students to purchase non-prescription wellness products at a reduced price in at least one wellness kiosk on each campus.

“Many college students are already facing financial hardships in college due to limited funding and a lack of resources,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The last thing students need to be worried about is breaking their pocketbooks in order to get proper health care on campus.”

Senate Bill 1907 advances equal reproductive healthcare rights for students enrolled in public institutions of higher education, including those enrolled in community colleges. This legislation establishes the Public Higher Education Act, which would require public colleges, universities and community colleges to offer emergency contraceptives and other products at a reduced price in at least one wellness kiosk on each campus. A wellness kiosk, similar to a vending machine, would offer non-prescription items such as menstrual products, pregnancy tests, prophylactics and emergency contraception.

As emergency contraceptives can be difficult to obtain and need to be taken within a short window of time, this measure directly addresses students’ immediate needs. Organizations like the American Society for Emergency Contraception exclusively work to ensure that all college campuses have accessible and affordable emergency contraceptives available, as they understand the importance of equal healthcare resources being accessible for college students.

“We have to continue implementing legislation that will provide college students with affordable options on campuses in Illinois,” said Villanueva. “The well-being of college students is just as important as the well-being of all Illinois residents.”

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SB 1907 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and heads to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure that prohibits students from changing their guardianship in efforts to qualify for need-based financial aid for college.

“Students that are experiencing financial hardships should not feel pressured to change their guardianship in order to receive need-based financial aid,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that legislation is put in place to ensure that students who are seeking need-based financial receive the resources they need without being penalized due to of their financial hardships.”

Senate Bill 195 is a direct response to previous public reports that Illinois students became eligible for need-based education financial assistance through the practice of "Opportunity Hoarding." Opportunity hoarding is the practice of exploiting a loophole in the Probate Act by transferring legal guardianship from a parent to a relative or friend in lower income brackets or by declaring financial independence.

According to ProPublica Illinois, the cost of tuition, fees and housing for full-time students at public universities in Illinois has doubled within the past 15 years.

 These expenses pose a significant barrier for low-income households who are already struggling with the expenses of everyday necessities versus the wealthy who try to exploit financial assistance not meant for them. As a result, transferring guardianship is not the solution. Instead, students need long-term solutions in the financial aid system that will not force them to deplete their funds.

“Providing equitable educational solutions for students who need financial assistance is something I will continue to fight for,” said Villanueva. “No student should have to miss out on a chance at a brighter future no matter their financial background.”

Senate Bill 195 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and moves to the Senate floor for full consideration.

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CHICAGO - State Senators Celina Villanueva secured over $551,000 for the Hispanic American Construction Association, under the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship programs.  

“Garnering funding to ensure equitable participation for constituents in the construction industry, while also promoting the growth, quality of work, professionalism and integrity of these individuals is something that is necessary in advancing the job force for women and minorities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “We must make sure residents in underserved communities are getting the necessary resources they need to become successful in the workforce as we continue to fight for a more equitable state.”

Villanueva continues to push for equitable workforce opportunities for residents in their districts, as many Illinois residents are still bouncing back from the pandemic that left thousands without jobs and limited resources. Many people today are still seeking safe and secure workforce opportunities that will allow them to live a sustainable life, while acquiring free training to be successful in the field. 

According to a 2022 survey by Zippia, only 35 % of construction workers in the U.S. were Black or Latino while 58.7% of construction workers were white. In the state of Illinois, equitable workforce opportunities remains a priority. This funding will help combat this issue by intentionally providing misrepresented communities in Illinois with more accessible resources that will lead to more individuals becoming qualified to work in the construction industry, free of charge. 

Over $550,000 will be sent to St. Augustine to stabilize the workforce. Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.