CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva urges eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“As the winter weather settles in, it is essential all households are able stay warm and safe this year,” said Villanueva (D- Chicago). “Assistance is now available for all income-eligible families across the state – so be sure to apply if your household qualifies.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.

CHICAGO –State Senator Celina Villanueva announced more than $1 million was awarded to Alivio Medical Center, Chicago Public Schools and Cicero School District 99 through the Illinois Department of Public Health to support post-pandemic child and adolescent mental health.

“Our youth were presented with numerous challenges during the pandemic and need direct resources for support,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “This funding will allow us to strengthen school-based programs and local agencies that serve the mental health needs of young people in our district.”

The grants – funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and additional state funding – are intended to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma, and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.

“This funding has the opportunity to help combat the mental health crisis that our youth are battling every day,” said Villanueva. “We will also be able to provide education and support for teachers as they are often the first to notice a need for intervention.”

Over $9 million was awarded to 40 applicants across the state through this round of funding. For more information about the grant recipients, click here.

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D – Chicago) released the following statement after learning of the assault of Alderwomen Julia Ramirez and her aide during a protest in the 12^th Senate District as they were discussing the new construction of a migrant tent city with local residents:

“I am appalled to learn of the physical attack against Alderwoman Ramirez and an aide as they met with local residents to hear concerns regarding the construction of a shelter for asylum seekers. While I support peaceful protest and freedom of speech, violence is unacceptable.” 

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (Senate) joined the call from business and industry partners, including the Illinois Restaurant Association and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to streamline work authorizations for eligible asylum seekers who are ready and eager to work in Illinois.

“I am proud that in Illinois, we step up for those in need and live out our values as a welcoming state,” said joint Latino Caucus Chair Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “I am happy to see Senator Durbin fighting for this much-needed measure to provide our new neighbors with the resources they need to support themselves and their families.”

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin joined Illinois’ congressional delegation, alongside Governor JB Pritzker and industry partners Wednesday, to urge the Department of Homeland Security to use its authority to streamline the work authorization process for new arrivals and undocumented immigrants. If granted, states could be allowed to sponsor asylum seekers for employment in industries facing labor shortages such as hospitality and manufacturing.

“Sustainable job opportunities are available in every corner of our state with folks who are ready to work and contribute to our economy,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “When people can provide for themselves and their families, everyone wins. I echo my colleagues’ calls for this process to begin so that those seeking asylum finally have this opportunity.”