SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her commitment to educational equity, State Senator Celina Villanueva has secured the signing of a new law expanding access to student financial aid for all Illinois residents—regardless of immigration status.

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

House Bill 460 ensures that any student residing in Illinois is eligible for financial aid programs funded or administered by the state, local governments, or public colleges and universities. By standardizing eligibility criteria across programs, the measure eliminates the patchwork of confusing and sometimes conflicting requirements that have excluded undocumented, DACAmented, and mixed-status students from critical aid.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to predatory towing practices that have long exploited Illinois drivers, a new law championed by State Senator Celina Villanueva has been signed — giving state regulators stronger tools to hold rogue operators accountable and ensure safer, fairer roads.

“Far too many drivers have been taken advantage of by shady tow companies that operate without oversight, move vehicles without consent and charge outrageous fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With this new law, we’re letting people know that Illinois will not tolerate predatory practices that harm working families and undermine public trust.”

CHICAGO– In response to hate crimes in the district, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“I am outraged and disgusted by the recent acts of hate and vandalism that have taken place in our community– including outside of my own district office, on a pro-Palestinian mural on the side of a small business and two other community organizations. The display of swastikas and the phrase ‘ICE rules’–symbols rooted in fear, white supremacy and intimidation–are deliberate attempts to spread fear, stroke division and intimidate people who are already vulnerable. 

“What makes this especially disturbing is the complexity of what we’re witnessing: a swastika–long recognized as a symbol of violence and genocide against Jewish people– scrawled across spaces in a Mexican immigrant community, attacking our neighbors, our office and those who stand with Palestinians and global movements for justice. This act is layered in its hate– it’s antisemitic, anti-immigrant, anti-Arab, anti-Muslim and anti-Justice all at once.

“Let me be clear: there is no room for this kind of hate in our district or anywhere in Illinois. I stand in solidarity with all who have been harmed by this hateful act, who know too well the pain these symbols represent. I am working with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that those responsible are held accountable. 

“In moments like this, we must not shrink—we must rise. We must respond with unity, with courage and with an unshakable commitment to justice. Hate may try to take root here—but it will not grow. Not in our district. Not on our watch.”

CHICAGO – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This summer book club is about more than just turning pages — it’s about building a love for learning, celebrating our cultures, and giving our kids the tools to dream big,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I want every young person in our community to see themselves in the stories they read and to know their voices matter.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Villanueva’s office by Aug. 1. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a mystery prize from Senator Villanueva.

Summer Book Club forms are available for pick up at the district office, 2501 S. Central Park Ave., or to download at SenatorVillanueva.com. People with questions can reach out to Villanueva’s office at 847-672-6201.