Villanueva protects warehouse workers

• warehouse worker protections act
• HB 2547

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure strengthening warehouse worker protections by ensuring employers are disclosing the quotas are required to meet.

“Every warehouse worker deserves a safe workplace where meeting quotas doesn’t come at the cost of their health,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Stronger protections ensure that productivity never outweighs people.”

House Bill 2547 would require warehouse employers to provide a written description of any quota and any potential adverse employment action upon the employee's hire date and anytime the quota is changed. Each time that quota changes, the employer must provide an updated description within five business days of the change. This bill addresses the lack of transparency in non-union warehouses, where workers face "invisible clocks" and constant threats of discipline or termination, resulting in physical injuries and extreme mental stress.

“We can have efficiency without exploitation,” said Villanueva. “By strengthening protections, we create a system where workers and businesses thrive together.”

House Bill 2547 passed the Senate Sunday.

Illinois Latino Caucus releases the following statement

CHICAGO — The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement:

“At a time when people across our country are seeking unity in the wake of political division, extremists are offering nothing but fear and intimidation.

“Our greatest safety is in community. As leaders of this state, we pledge to use every tool at our disposal — legislative, legal, and otherwise — to protect our immigrant families from the threat of mass deportation. We will not be intimidated and will not allow our communities to live in fear. As the saying goes, el pueblo unido, jamás será vencido — the people united will never be defeated.”

Because of the work of the Legislative Latino Caucus, Illinois has some of the strongest immigrant protections, ensuring no one is defenseless.

Read more: Illinois Latino Caucus releases the following statement

Villanueva applauds over $420K in library grants coming to the 12th District

• Adult Literacy
• Grant

CHICAGO — State Senator Celina Villanueva recently announced that $424,368 in total has been granted to the Aquinas Literacy Center, Instituto del Progreso Latino, Touch Gift Foundation, and Universidad Popular’s adult and family literacy programs.

“This funding is crucial as literacy programs empower residents to advocate for themselves,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Supporting these programs, specifically in underserved communities, supports not only education but health, social connections and job readiness, all of which lead to a stronger, more stable community.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

The goal of these grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”

A full list of grantees can be found here.

Villanueva applauds funding for local workforce training

• DCEO

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including $525,000 for workforce development programs in the 12^th Senate District.

“Programs like JTED help create opportunities for Illinoisans who need it the most,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By providing funding, support services are available to equip people with education, skills and training that will benefit them, their families and the state’s economy.”

The Job Training and Economic Development program provides workforce training and wraparound services to help bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. Funds from this program aim to address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented who have one or more barriers to employment that are identified as risk factors.

This is the second round of funding from the JTED program, awarding over $15 million to 33 organizations across Illinois. Midwest Asian Health Association, which falls within Villanueva’s district, is set to receive $525,000 from the program.

“The continued success of the JTED program is a testament to the importance of intentional investments in Illinois’ world-class workforce,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This funding will support services to underemployed, unemployed and underrepresented communities and provide individuals access to good paying job opportunities.”

For more information on job training services, visit DCEO’s website.