SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have reiterated their commitment to advocating for Latino communities as they confront rising concerns about their future.

“By prioritizing investments that support the needs of our community we are standing our ground to strive toward an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in our state,” said Senate Latino Caucus Chair Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “This is a sentiment we not only hold for education but also for other critical services that contribute to the well-being of our community especially health care programs that provide services to immigrant adults and seniors like HBIA and HBIS, welcoming centers, reproductive care, community health navigators and free and charitable clinics.”

“We all know that a budget is a moral document, it tells us what our state values are, who it prioritizes, and who it leaves behind,” said House Caucus Chair Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park). “It is our duty to make sure that our communities are not just an afterthought, not just a talking point, but a driving force in shaping the state’s future.”

Latino Caucus members were encouraged by the proposed investments in education, from early learners to students on the verge of college acceptance. Notably, this includes a $21.7 million investment in early childhood education and an increase in MAP grant investment of $10 million.

Members also were encouraged by the Home Illinois appropriation request of $282.7 million as the challenges of affordable housing and home ownership become more elusive.

“This budget proposes bold action to preserve the soul of our communities,” said State Representative Dagmara Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). “We know that home ownership, which is a key to generational wealth, is increasingly elusive as investors and corporate speculators acquire properties viewing homes as credible assets rather than as places to live and communities to thrive.”

Caucus members are also looking forward to the opportunity during the upcoming budget negotiations to address the impact of environmental issues on Latino communities.

“It is imperative that we invest in innovative technologies that champion green policies,” said State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Today countless Latino families reside near landfills and factories exposed to harmful chemicals that jeopardize their well-being. The proximity brings health challenges, but we have the power to change this narrative.”

In their budget response, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus acknowledges a difference of opinion over some budget proposals while also conveying optimism about collaborating to explore various ways to provide the necessary support for one of the state's fastest-growing communities.

“This budget proposal is the beginning of a conversation,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “We know we have some hard days ahead of us. We know we have some tough conversations and nobody in our Caucus is afraid of that because we know what’s at stake.”

In the upcoming months, the Latino Caucus is eager to engage in budget negotiations that ensure fair solutions for Latino communities in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, and jobs, while also working towards policy initiatives aimed at empowering and supporting underserved populations.