CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) celebrated as legislation that will protect essential workers, increase first-responder benefits and expand collective bargaining rights was signed into law.

“First-responders and essential workers have put their lives on the line for us every day,” Villanueva said. “They deserve a dignified workplace where they can be free from harassment and negotiate fair wages.”

Read more: Villanueva: Essential workers, first-responders deserve a dignified workplace

CHICAGO – To help young adults find employment during the pandemic, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is encouraging them to seek opportunities from organizations funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program.

“Young adults from low-income families often contribute to their household income,” Villanueva said. “Paid career development opportunities like this will allow them to improve their professional skills while still helping at home.”

Read more: Villanueva: Paid career development opportunity available to young adults

CHICAGO – To bring more students into the education field, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) announced that Farragut Career Academy High School will receive state funding to develop teaching programs.

“Students deserve teachers and role models that have shared lived experiences,” Villanueva said. “Bolstering Farragut Academy’s teaching program will prepare young people in Little Village for a career that will make a lasting impact on their community.”

The Illinois State Board of Education awarded the City of Chicago Public Schools Education for Employment system a $237,000 grant that will be distributed between four high schools to develop Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focused on careers in education, including Farragut Career Academy High School.

Read more: Farragut Career Academy receives grant for teaching program

CHICAGO – After President Trump released a memorandum that calls for an unprecedented change that would exclude undocumented residents from the U.S. Census, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Both citizens and non-citizens have been included in the official count since the first U.S. Census. The purpose of the census is to count all residents, regardless of status, so that the communities they live in receive adequate resources and accurate representation.

Read more: Villanueva: Immigrant communities will not be silenced in the census