State Senator Celina Villanueva issued the following statement regarding the recent instance of hate speech directed at a contractor and member of the Berwyn community by an employee of the city and former Berwyn 100 school board member:

“Although I believe it was appropriate to terminate the person responsible for instigating hate in our community, the firing of this person was the bare minimum. There is still more we can do to make sure this does not happen again.

 “I stand with Mr. Robbin, and I urge the City of Berwyn to take additional meaningful action—call for an open and independent investigation and ensure others you employ understand the damage and pain racist remarks cause not only to the individual, but the community at large. Additionally, the State’s Attorney should investigate whether Ms. Lopez’s conduct constitutes a criminal offense.

Read more: Senator Villanueva urges further investigation on Berwyn hate speech incident

Read more: Back to School Health and Resource Fair

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.”

Read more: Villanueva: More undocumented residents now eligible for Medicaid

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”.