CHICAGO – After the Hilco Redevelopment Partners’ demolition of the Crawford Coal plant sent a dust cloud racing through the Little Village neighborhood, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Hilco’s decision to demolish the Crawford plant on a holiday weekend during a pandemic that has caused respiratory issues for thousands of people was reckless and inexcusable. The lack of consideration for our community is appalling and our families and essential workers could suffer for it.

“We need accountability. Hilco Redevelopment Partners must work with appropriate agencies to create a transparent, public plan without causing further damage to our community’s public health.

“Further, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must investigate what contaminants were released during the demolition so that we can address the health concerns of everyone who was exposed.”

CHICAGO – With working families facing food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is promoting the state’s expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“Thousands of people have been thrown out of work and need to feed their families,” Villanueva said. “We can’t allow the most vulnerable among us to go hungry during this crisis.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) wants to make sure that everyone knows about the state’s latest expansion of emergency childcare eligibility and funding.

“This crisis has put everything from health to housing on the line for working families,” Villanueva said. “Expanding childcare eligibility will allow working people to continue to provide for their families and ensure that their kids are in a safe and healthy environment.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) praised the governor’s moves to increase funding for food, homeless and childcare programs throughout the state.

“We need to do all we can to protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors,” Villanueva said. “Expanding these services is the moral thing to do and I am grateful for the governor’s commitment to making sure that nobody falls through the cracks during this crisis.”