Villanueva encouraged by investments in vulnerable communities in governor’s budget

• Pritzker
• Budget Address
• Social services
• Educación

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva expressed her support Wednesday for the commitment to maintain investments in higher education affordability, workforce development, social services and education included in Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget.

“The Fiscal Year 2025 proposed budget continues to keep the needs of families and students at the forefront,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “These funds are essential to vulnerable communities who may not be able to otherwise afford to continue their education.”

The proposed budget seeks to increase Monetary Award Program (MAP) funding by $10 million – for a total of over $700 million.

The governor’s proposal also carries forward the $400 million set aside in previous years for efforts that support job creation and business development through the Invest in Illinois closing fund initiative. It would also invest $30 million to the fast-track workforce program to provide employee screening, recruitment and job training development to employers.

“Illinois has done considerable work in prioritizing underrepresented communities throughout the state in the past,” said Villanueva. “I plan to negotiate a fair and equitable budget in the months ahead.”

Villanueva disappointed by action on deceptive practice law

• Statement
• Reproductive Rights

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva released the following statement in light of the decision to not enforce crisis pregnancy center fraud law:

“We took a positive step in Illinois to ensure that people are protected against false and misleading advertisement and practices that could potentially harm them during their most vulnerable state. I am disappointed in the decision that will not allow our state to enforce the law – no longer giving us the power to hold those who are intentionally misleading accountable for their harmful deceptive practices.

“While I am extremely disappointed by this decision, I will continue to fight for reproductive rights in Illinois. I remain hopeful that Attorney General Raoul will enforce necessary repercussions against shady pregnancy centers through current consumer fraud and deceptive practices laws.”

Villanueva encourages eligible households to apply for utility bill assistance

• Relief
• safety

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva urges eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“As the winter weather settles in, it is essential all households are able stay warm and safe this year,” said Villanueva (D- Chicago). “Assistance is now available for all income-eligible families across the state – so be sure to apply if your household qualifies.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.

Villanueva welcomes funding to strengthen mental health services for youth across Illinois

• Education
• Mental health

CHICAGO –State Senator Celina Villanueva announced more than $1 million was awarded to Alivio Medical Center, Chicago Public Schools and Cicero School District 99 through the Illinois Department of Public Health to support post-pandemic child and adolescent mental health.

“Our youth were presented with numerous challenges during the pandemic and need direct resources for support,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “This funding will allow us to strengthen school-based programs and local agencies that serve the mental health needs of young people in our district.”

The grants – funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and additional state funding – are intended to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma, and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.

“This funding has the opportunity to help combat the mental health crisis that our youth are battling every day,” said Villanueva. “We will also be able to provide education and support for teachers as they are often the first to notice a need for intervention.”

Over $9 million was awarded to 40 applicants across the state through this round of funding. For more information about the grant recipients, click here.