Villanueva hosts job fair with local officials

• Jobs
• Job Search
• Workplace

CHICAGO – To offer residents of the 12^th District an opportunity to meet with potential employers and learn more about the resources available, State Senator Celina Villanueva is collaborating with Central States SER to host a job fair Thursday, July 18.

“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, searching for a job can be difficult,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By hosting this job fair, I hope local residents are able to get access to the resources they need, and I encourage everyone to attend.”

The job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 at Arturo Velasquez Westside Institute, located at 2800 S. Western Ave. in Chicago.

Residents should be prepared with copies of their resume for on-site interviews. Several employers will attend, including government and local employers.  Free headshots will be available as well as other local community resources.

Attendees should visit  https://tinyurl.com/SenatorVillanuevaJobFairRSVP to register. For more information, call Central States SER at 773-739-6118.

Villanueva releases statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling

• Domestic violence
• Karina's Law

CHICAGO – In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a federal law restricting firearm possession for domestic violence abusers, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am encouraged by today’s Supreme Court ruling and hope it guides us moving forward on how to better protect victims of gun violence.”

“Domestic violence situations can escalate quickly when firearms are involved, and these restrictions are a vital component in the effort to reduce and prevent domestic violence-related homicides. There is still more work to do when it comes to protecting survivors and their families in Illinois, but I am glad to see these restrictions upheld at the federal level. I am hopeful that this will continue, on a state level, for us to move forward with Karina’s Law.”

Villanueva comments on protections against deportation

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Biden administration’s executive action to allow certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“The Biden Administration’s action is a significant step in the right direction for many undocumented family members – affirming our commitment to family unity, justice and compassion. For too long, our immigration system has imposed unnecessary hardships on families, often forcing them into the shadows or tearing them apart. This new policy will provide relief by offering a pathway to stability and security. It recognizes that family is the cornerstone of our society and that keeping families together strengthens our communities.

“Considering that this executive power can be challenged and even ended by a different administration, there is a lot more that needs to be done to provide permanent protections for undocumented communities that have contributed to this country for decades.

“Today’s action is a great first step, but we must build on this progress and enact comprehensive reforms that honor our nation's history as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.”

Villanueva’s bill to maintain lifesaving reproductive rights passes Senate

• Reproductive Rights
• HB 581

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure to preserve lifesaving reproductive health care as anti-choice action threatens to infringe on people’s rights.

“It is imperative that Illinois continues to shield itself against these persistent anti-choice attacks,” said Villanueva (D – Chicago). “This pending Supreme Court ruling threatens access to vital life-saving care for women throughout Illinois and beyond by limiting medically necessary services.”

House Bill 581 would protect Illinois patients from another likely Supreme Court rollback of reproductive rights by ensuring Illinois hospitals must provide any medically necessary services—including abortion services—to stabilize a patient at risk of severe injury or death. 

While this is currently federal law, the Supreme Court’s anti-choice majority is expected to rule as early as this June in Moyle v. Idaho. This case questions whether Idaho’s total abortion ban is exempt from the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. Idaho has argued that it should be exempt, an argument that, if upheld, could undermine critical patient protections in cases of severe pregnancy complications. If the Supreme Court again strikes down federal protections for patient health, House Bill 681 would ensure these protections remain in place in Illinois and would impose civil penalties on hospitals that refuse to provide lifesaving abortion procedures.

“I am committed to maintaining and reinforcing the measures that ensure the well-being and inalienable rights of women in Illinois,” said Villanueva. “The delicate process of bringing life into this world is already unpredictable. We must safeguard the legal protections to offer lifesaving emergency services.”

House Bill 581 passed the Senate Sunday and heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.