Chicago – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Celina Villanueva, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced nearly $13 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.

“Through these investments, both local residents and tourists will be able to travel more safely,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By investing in our infrastructure, we are investing in our communities.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan, the district Villanueva represents will see six infrastructure projects totaling more than $20 million.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include the bridge replacement at Sanitary & Ship Canal and the reconstruction of bridges at ILL 43 near Harlem Avenue.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“These investments won’t just bring forth safer, stronger infrastructure, they will bring forth good paying jobs to help stabilize our local economy,” said Villanueva.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 11^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

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Chicago – Edificando sobre las inversiones en infraestructura inteligente apoyadas por la Senadora Estatal Celina Villanueva, el Departamento de Transporte de Illinois anunció cerca de $13 millones en proyectos para mejorar carreteras en el área.

“A través de estas inversiones, residentes y turistas podrán viajar con mayor seguridad,” dijo Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Al invertir en nuestra infraestructura, estamos invirtiendo en nuestras comunidades.”

Como parte del plan de varios años de IDOT, el distrito que representa Villanueva recibirá seis proyectos de infraestructura con un valor total de $20 millones.

Algunos de los proyectos vitales que se realizarán en esta área incluyen el reemplazo de un puente en Sanitary & Ship Canal, y la reconstrucción de puentes en Illinois 43, cerca de la avenida Harlem.

Estos proyectos son parte del plan de IDOT, que incluye inversiones por $34,600 millones en proyectos de construcción a realizarse en los próximos seis años fiscales.

Los $34,600 millones serán destinados a la reconstrucción y preservación de autopistas, mejoras a puentes, ampliaciones estratégicas, sistemas de soporte como ingeniería y adquisición de terrenos, y modernización de sistemas de seguridad. A lo largo de seis años este financiamiento será distribuido para mejorar más de 2,500 millas de carreteras y cerca de 10 millones de pies cuadrados de puentes.

“Estas inversiones no solo generarán una infraestructura más segura, también crearán trabajos bien pagados para contribuir a estabilizar la economía local,” dijo Villanueva.

Para ver la lista completa de proyectos programados para el distrito 11 del Senado, visite el sitio de internet de IDOT.

CHICAGO – Thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Celina Villanueva, undocumented residents 42 and older will now have access to Medicaid coverage. The new law that went into effect on July 1 expands the age group of individuals who qualify for Medicaid in the state.

“Everyone, regardless of citizenship status or income, deserves access to health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The expansion of Medicaid benefits to this group of people is a substantial step in achieving true equity in our health care system in Illinois.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade – depriving millions of women of their right to choose:

“Today’s decision by the nation’s top court is a direct attack on women and their access to health care. I am disheartened, devastated and angry that the court took advantage of their power for their own political agenda – causing harm to millions of women. This decision won’t stop abortion – it will stop safe abortion. Women across the country will be forced to go to grave and unspeakable lengths to access this type of care. That’s sickening.

“While Illinois remains a beacon of hope as women will still be able to practice their right to choose, that will no longer be the case for people living in nearly half the states. To those women: We see you and we are here for you.”

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CHICAGO — La senadora estatal Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta a la decisión de la Corte Suprema de anular el caso Roe vs. Wade, que priva a millones de mujeres de su derecho a elegir:

“La decisión de hoy del tribunal supremo del país es un ataque directo a las mujeres y a su acceso a la atención sanitaria. Estoy descorazonada, devastada y molesta por el hecho de que el tribunal se haya aprovechado de su poder para beneficio de su  agenda política, dañando a millones de mujeres. Esta decisión no detendrá el aborto: detendrá el aborto seguro. Las mujeres de todo el país se verán obligadas a llegar a extremos graves e indescriptibles para acceder a este tipo de atención. Es indignante”, enfatizó.

Y destacó: “Aunque Illinois sigue siendo un faro de esperanza, ya que las mujeres podrán seguir ejerciendo su derecho a elegir, eso ya no será así para las personas que viven en casi la mitad de los estados. A esas mujeres les digo: Las escuchamos y estamos aquí para ustedes”.

CHICAGO – To emphasize the importance of continuing education throughout the summer, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a summer book club to encourage students to read and continue their studies throughout the summer vacation.

“We want to invite students to read and continue to better their education throughout the summer by rewarding them for their hard work,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Young people and students can participate in this program as we encourage them to build a habit of reading early and prepare them for their upcoming school year.”

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. 9. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will be invited to a social event with the district office and the Senator.

“This is a great opportunity for young students to grow and foster a love of reading that will help them pursue their education at higher levels,” Villanueva said. “I encourage families to participate and take advantage of this program as we give back and reward students for their hard work.”