SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Celina Villanueva to strengthen financial accountability and protect students and families when charter schools face financial instability passed the Illinois Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“When a school suddenly shuts its doors, it is the students, families and educators who are left scrambling,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures there are clear safeguards in place so communities are not blindsided by closures and public resources are properly protected.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is again calling for action after years of Senate work to protect homeowners from losing the equity in their homes through the property tax sale system.

“This isn’t a new issue, we’ve been working on it for years,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “We cannot continue to let this issue fall by the wayside while families — especially seniors and working-class homeowners — remain at risk of losing not just their homes, but the equity they worked their entire lives to build.”

Bridgeport

Circle Foudation Benton House
3052 S. Gratten Ave., Chicago, IL
773-663-1143

Benton House Over 21
3052 S Gratten Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
773-927-6420

Back of the Yards

Catholic Charities: Casa Catalina
4537 S. Ashland Ave.
773-376-9425

Brighton Park

Our Lady of Fatima
2751 West 38th Place, Chicago, IL 60632
773-575-2458

New Life Center Food Pantry
4155 S. Rockwell St., Chicago, IL 60632
312 736 2466

Chinatown

Midwest Asian Health Association
218 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60616
312-225-8659

McKinley Park

Blessed Sacrament Parish St. Maurice Church Food Pantry
3745 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL
773-523-3917

Little Village

Iglesia Amor de Dios United Methodist Church
3113 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60623
773-579-0832

Project Vida
2659 S. Kedvale Ave., Chicago, IL 60623
773-277-2291

Pilsen-Little Village Community Mental Health Center
3113 W. Cermak Rd.,Chicago, IL 60623
773-579-0832

Our Lady of Tepeyac Parish Food Pantry
3047 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL
773-521-8400

Amor de Dios Food Pantry
2356 S. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, IL
773 521 3737

New Life Centers of Chicagoland Food Pantry
2701 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL
773-762-0270

Pan de Vida Food Pantry -Outdoor grocery distribution -Greater Chicago Food Depository
2701 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL 60623
773-762-0270

La Villita Corps Community Center Food Pantry
3621 W. 24th St., Chicago, IL
773-257-0700

Pilsen

Instituto del Progreso Latino
2570 S. Blue Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
773-890-0055

Pilsen food pantry
2124 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
773-812-3150

St. Pius Parish Pantry
1919 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL
312-226-6161

Pilsen Wellness Center
2319 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
773-579-0832

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is calling out the continued pattern of federal intimidation after multiple vehicles identified as belonging to ICE agents were seen parked across from an elementary school, across from her district office, Tuesday afternoon.

“Late yesterday afternoon, agents were positioned in the school’s parking lot and alley, minutes before children were released from after-school programs. Their timing and presence were not coincidental. They were intentional and meant to cause chaos and fear in the heart of our community.

“Witnesses reported erratic driving, nearly ramming into my district office, putting residents and staff in danger. These agents are not acting in the public’s best interest, they are terrorizing neighborhoods, not protecting them. We are also hearing that an individual was picked up along 26th Street, further escalating the panic and confusion these actions were clearly designed to create.

“Our schools are not battlegrounds. Children should not have to walk past armed agents to get home. Parents should not have to fear that federal vehicles outside a school mean danger for their families. This is intimidation, plain and simple, and it has no place in our communities.

“I immediately contacted Chicago Public Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Thankfully, the agents dispersed soon after, and my office staff and the school community are safe. But the fact that this occurred at all is unacceptable.

“I am demanding accountability and an end to these reckless acts that endanger our neighborhoods. Our children deserve safety, not surveillance. Our community deserves peace, not provocation.”