SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is reaffirming Illinois’ commitment to pay equity by recognizing March 26 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois — marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year.

“Equal pay is about fairness, but it’s also about economic stability for families and communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “When women are paid less, households have less to spend, save and invest. Closing the wage gap strengthens our entire economy.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement after recent abuse allegations against civil rights leader Cesar Chavez:

“Survivors came forward with courage and truth, and what they revealed has shaken all of us to our core. They deserved safety, dignity and support.

“I want to recognize the courage of the women who have come forward — Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, Esmeralda Lopez and Cynthia Bell. Speaking out is never easy, and their voices deserve to be heard and believed.

“At the same time, we cannot allow the actions of one person to erase the work and sacrifice of generations of farmworkers and organizers. Leaders like Dolores Huerta, and so many others, built a movement rooted in dignity, justice and collective power. That legacy belongs to them — and to the workers who continue this fight every day.

“This is also why I have introduced resolutions to ensure that we are thoughtful about how we recognize historical figures — grounding our honors in truth, accountability and the full scope of their impact.

“We owe it to survivors to listen, to act and to build a future where no one is silenced. And we owe it to the movement to protect its integrity and continue the fight for justice.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is advancing legislation to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults and individuals living with HIV are treated with dignity and respect in long-term care settings.

“No one should have to hide who they are or fear discrimination when receiving care,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV can age with dignity, respect and equal treatment in long-term care settings.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“For too long, communities already facing environmental burdens have been forced to carry a disproportionate share of pollution and its impacts,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures that environmental justice is part of the decision-making process so we can better protect the health and well-being of residents across Illinois.”