SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is proud to support the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’s $1.8 billion tax relief plan to put money back into people’s pockets.

“Thanks to our success in responsibly paying down our debts, we have the resources to provide meaningful refunds to residents in every corner of the state,” Villanueva said. “My hope is that this money eases some of the financial burden facing the people I represent so they can best take care of themselves and their loved ones.”

The plan outlined Friday would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check – a proposal mirrored after Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.

To address inflation and the rising prices at the pump, the plan also suspends the 1% state grocery tax and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months. Parents could see additional relief at the store from Aug. 5-Aug. 14 thanks to a plan to also wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping.

“This relief is both timely and community-centered, helping families prepare for the costs associated with holiday shopping later in the year and spurring foot-traffic in our prized local businesses,” Villanueva said. “This initiative will give our residents, especially those in vulnerable communities, a much needed boost as we continue to recover from the pandemic by helping them offset the cost of living.”

The comprehensive proposal also includes expanded economic aid for lower-income workers and increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders. Senator Villanueva is working with her colleagues to vote on the measure – Senate Bill 1150 – by the planned April 8 adjournment.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure expanding women’s access to healthy pregnancies passed the Senate Wednesday thanks to advocacy and support of State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago).

“Giving mothers access to prenatal vitamins allows mothers to give their babies the best chance at a safe and healthy birth,” Villanueva said. “By providing coverage for these supplements, we tackle disparities in child and health care caused by financial inequity head on.”

House Bill 4338 requires insurance policies that already cover prescription drugs to also cover prenatal vitamins when prescribed by a licensed physician. Coverage for prenatal vitamins will allow policyholders to obtain vital supplements that support fetal growth and development.

“Nutrition is critical to a baby’s growth and development,” Villanueva said. “The attainability of prenatal vitamins can drastically impact the well-being of a mother and her baby, which is why Illinois is committed to making an effort to reduce these hardships.”

HB 4338 now heads back to the House for approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is sponsoring a measure expanding women’s access to healthy pregnancies by requiring insurance companies to cover prenatal vitamins.

“Having access to prenatal vitamins is equally as important as having access to breast feeding supplies,” said Villanueva. “These measures both prioritize the health and safety of mothers and their babies by reducing the economic barriers preventing them from doing what’s best for their well-being.”

House Bill 4338 requires insurance policies that already cover prescription drugs to also cover prenatal vitamins when prescribed by a licensed physician. Coverage for prenatal vitamins will allow policyholders to obtain vital supplements that endorse healthy and sustained pregnancy. While most nutrients supporting healthy pregnancy can come from foods, prenatal vitamins provide additional opportunities to foster fetal growth and development. In addition to this measure, Villanueva is sponsoring Senate Bill 3634, which exempts breast feeding supplies from sales tax.

“Women deserve every opportunity to promote their baby’s wellness at all stages of their pregnancy,” said Villanueva. “Making these opportunities affordable lets Illinois mothers know we have their backs before, during and after their tremendous childbirth journey.”

HB 4338 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday and now goes to be considered by the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure removing sales taxes on supplies related to child nursing passed the Senate Friday thanks to the work of State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago).

“Sales taxes on basic necessities create unnecessary barriers that only add to the challenges of motherhood,” Villanueva said. “A mother’s ability to provide for her child should not be stunted by these needless financial obstacles.”

The measure, an initiative spurred by Parity for Pumps, exempts breastfeeding supplies from sales tax to include these supplies with existing feeding exemptions. Eight other states already provide these exemptions, and infant formula is exempt from sales tax in nearly every state. Adding nursing tools to the list of exemptions allows mothers to generate and collect breast milk more easily by removing some of the financial burden associated with maintaining their milk supply. In doing so, Illinois moves toward more equitable feeding options for mothers and their children.

“Breast pumps are necessary to give mothers autonomy in their nursing process,” Villanueva said. “Protecting the children of the state begins with protecting a mother’s ability to provide the highest level of care according to her means.”

Senate Bill 3634 passed the Senate on Friday and now heads to the House for further consideration.