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.

Villanueva on assault of alderperson: I am appalled

• Community
• safety

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D – Chicago) released the following statement after learning of the assault of Alderwomen Julia Ramirez and her aide during a protest in the 12^th Senate District as they were discussing the new construction of a migrant tent city with local residents:

“I am appalled to learn of the physical attack against Alderwoman Ramirez and an aide as they met with local residents to hear concerns regarding the construction of a shelter for asylum seekers. While I support peaceful protest and freedom of speech, violence is unacceptable.”