Villanueva leads measure to raise wages for workers supporting individuals with disabilities

• SB 1617

SPRINGFIELD – At a press conference on Wednesday, State Senator Celina Villanueva reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening Illinois care infrastructure by advancing legislation to improve compensation for Direct Support Professionals who provide critical daily care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of care for thousands of Illinois residents living with disabilities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villanueva leads measure to raise wages for workers supporting individuals with disabilities

Villanueva helps secure $550,000 in job training funding for EDDR

• DCEO
• EDDR Foundation
• Pre-apprenticeship programs

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva secured $550,000 to help EDDR Foundation Chicago build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades.

"This investment in EDDR Foundation is about breaking down barriers and building up opportunities for workers in our communities," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "These pre-apprenticeship programs are a vital step toward stable, long-term careers in the trades—especially for individuals who’ve historically been left out of these opportunities."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Villanueva’s district, the EDDR Foundation’s Cook County location will see a total of $550,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

"Job training isn’t just about employment—it’s about equity, economic mobility, and building a stronger future for our neighborhoods," Villanueva continued. "We’re investing in people to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed."

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.

Villanueva strengthens measure to regulate predatory towing

• SB 2040
• Illinois Commerce Commission
• Towing

SPRINGFIELD – In response to predatory towing practices that take advantage of Illinois drivers, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced legislation to strengthen enforcement against bad actors and ensure safer roads for drivers. 

"For too long, predatory towing operators have taken advantage of unsuspecting drivers, leaving them with outrageous fees, missing belongings, and no recourse,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This legislation is about restoring fairness and accountability to the system, ensuring that no one falls victim to these deceptive practices.”

Read more: Villanueva strengthens measure to regulate predatory towing

Villanueva recognizes March 25 as Equal Pay Day

• SR158
• Equal Pay Day

SPRINGFIELD — Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women across the country still do not earn wages equal to those of their male counterparts —leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 25, 2025 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

"Equal pay is not just a women's issue—it is an economic issue that affects families, communities, and the overall health of our economy," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "We must continue to push for policies that close the wage gap and ensure that every worker in Illinois is fairly compensated for their work."

Senate Resolution 158 highlights the pay disparities faced by women and other marginalized groups. The average woman must work until March 25 to earn what the average man earned the previous year.

However, for many women, the gap is even greater. Asian American women must work until April 7 to bridge the gap, Black women until July 10, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women until Aug. 28. Latinas must work until Oct. 8, Disabled women until Oct. 23, and Native women until Nov. 18. Moms face a significant pay gap as well, with their Equal Pay Day falling on May 6, and LGBTQIA+ individuals must work until June 17 to earn the same as their male counterparts.

Senate Resolution 158 is an initiative of the American Association of University Women, a national organization dedicated to advancing gender equity through research, education, and advocacy. The resolution encourages people to learn about the history and impact of the gender pay gap and take action toward closing wage disparities.

"As long as these gaps exist, our fight for pay equity continues," said Villanueva. "Illinois is proud to be a leader in advancing economic justice, but we must remain vigilant to ensure that all workers – regardless of gender, race or background – receive equal pay for equal work."

Senate Resolution 158 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.