SPRINGFIELD — Despite the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women across the country still do not earn wages equal to those of their male counterparts —leading State Senator Celina Villanueva to name March 25, 2025 Equal Pay Day in Illinois.

"Equal pay is not just a women's issue—it is an economic issue that affects families, communities, and the overall health of our economy," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). "We must continue to push for policies that close the wage gap and ensure that every worker in Illinois is fairly compensated for their work."

Senate Resolution 158 highlights the pay disparities faced by women and other marginalized groups. The average woman must work until March 25 to earn what the average man earned the previous year.

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, including State Senators Celina Villanueva and Graciela Guzmán as well as other Senate colleagues, stood alongside Service Employees International Union members to push for a dignified pay for home care workers in Illinois at a rally Tuesday.

“Direct service workers are on the front lines, ensuring that our most vulnerable are taken care of and are able to live an independent and dignified life,” stated Guzmán (D- Chicago). “A living wage is the bare minimum of what these workers need and deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to predatory towing practices that take advantage of Illinois motorists, State Senator Celina Villanueva introduced a measure to strengthen enforcement against bad actors and ensure safer roads for drivers during a press conference Wednesday. 

“Legitimate, law-abiding towers also suffer from these bad practices,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This legislation is about protecting drivers, cracking down on predatory towers, and ensuring that Illinois has the enforcement tools necessary to hold violators accountable.”

Currently, the Illinois Commerce Commission issues fines to violators, but many of the worst offenders ignore penalties and continue operating under new business names. Senate Bill 2040 would strengthen enforcement by allowing the ICC to impound unregistered tow trucks, authorizing the Secretary of State to suspend license plates for unpaid fines, and requiring tow operators to register business and storage locations to prevent vehicles from being held at unlisted lots. The bill also would ban fraudulent towers from obtaining new licenses for three years and prohibit operators from placing liens on essential personal property left in a towed vehicle.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s transformative measure aimed at safeguarding survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law.  Karina’s Law enables the swift confiscation of firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders, addressing critical gaps that have left survivors at risk.

“This law reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding survivors when they need it most,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Karina’s Law empowers law enforcement to act decisively, preventing tragedies and honoring the memory of Karina and Daniela.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed Karina’s Law, a groundbreaking measure designed to enhance protections for survivors of domestic violence by allowing for the prompt confiscation of firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders. The legislation, named in honor of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela, addresses critical gaps in current laws that left survivors vulnerable to harm.

“Today, we honor Karina and Daniela by taking decisive action to protect domestic violence survivors,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Karina’s Law ensures that firearms are removed from the hands of abusers when survivors need protection the most. This legislation is a life-saving step forward for Illinois families.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure strengthening warehouse worker protections by ensuring employers are disclosing the quotas are required to meet.

“Every warehouse worker deserves a safe workplace where meeting quotas doesn’t come at the cost of their health,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Stronger protections ensure that productivity never outweighs people.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law, championed by State Senator Celina Villanueva, will allow driver’s license holders more notice for court appearances prior to suspension.

“Drivers are not receiving notice of court dates and unknowingly having their driving privileges revoked. This is a major issue that leads to severe consequences,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law will allow drivers the curtesy of electronic notice of court dates to reduce the possibility of suspension or further legal issues.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s measure to allow minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses to apply for up to $2 million in loans was signed into law Friday.

“We must continue to uplift disadvantaged communities and provide them with greater opportunities to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “These businesses are the backbones of their communities – and to see minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses thrive means hope is on the horizon.”

Senate Bill 3807 encourages more people to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Minority, Veteran, Female and Disability Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $400,000 to $2 million.