CHICAGO – A new cash assistance program will provide financial support to Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) announced.

“Federal stimulus packages systematically excluded mixed-status families,” Villanueva said. “This new fund covers those who were left behind and makes sure that everyone, regardless of status, gets the help they need.”

The City of Chicago is launching the Chicago Resiliency Fund in collaboration with Open Society Foundations and The Resurrection Project. The fund will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicagoans, including undocumented individuals, mixed-status families, dependent adults and returning residents.

Applications will become available June 22. Find more information and apply at www.resurrectionproject.org/chicagofund.

CHICAGO – As this year’s budget was signed into law, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) commended its focus on providing relief for the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Relief packages from the federal government have systematically left out those who need the most help,” Villanueva said. “Our budget affirms the dignity of all people by ensuring that no one is left behind.”

With thousands of Illinoisans out of work, the Illinois Housing Development Authority was allocated $396 million for rent and mortgage assistance grants. Residents who lost their income due to the pandemic will be eligible for these grants. The Illinois Department of Employment Security was also given an additional $60 million to reduce the backlog of claims needing to be processed.

Because many immigrant families were left out of federal relief, the state is adding $32 million to immigrant welcoming centers. These centers reduce systemic barriers that immigrant residents may face when accessing state services. Medicaid eligibility was also expanded to include all seniors regardless of status so long as they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Senate Bill 264 takes effect July 1.

SPRINGFIELD – With essential workers facing more risks on the job, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) voted to pass a labor package that increases public employee benefits, protects retail workers and expands collective bargaining rights.

“Working people deserve dignity on the job,” Villanueva said. “Expanding paid disability leave, legal protections and the right to negotiate a fair wage will ensure that they have a safety net.”

Senate Bill 471 would expand paid disability leave for first responders by 60 days due to decreased access to rehabilitative services. The legislation would also elevate a charge of battery of a retail employee to aggravated battery if the incident took place during or up to six months after a declared public health emergency. Aggravated battery would also apply to incidents that occur while an employee is performing duties that include relaying directions for health and safety precautions.

“Retail employees are facing harassment and worse for enforcing face mask requirements,” Villanueva said. “We need to proactively expand legal protections to working people who put themselves at risk every day to provide essential services.”

In addition to those provisions, the legislation would also require existing racetracks with 10 or more employees to engage in collective bargaining if the track wishes to expand to include a casino. While the horse racing industry is excluded from federal collective bargaining laws, Illinois has extended similar protections to most businesses.

“As these facilities expand operations, they will also be expanding their workforce with janitorial, food service and other backstretch employees,” Villanueva said. “This measure will create a huge opportunity for those workers to improve their lives and receive the wages they deserve through the opportunity to collectively bargain.”

 Not all backstretch employees would be covered under this bill. Villanueva plans to introduce legislation to expand coverage during veto session.

Senate Bill 471 passed the Illinois Senate 47-3.

CHICAGO – After Hilco Redevelopment Partners were approved to resume their demolition of the Crawford Coal plant in Little Village, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“It is unconscionable and careless for Hilco to continue their demolition of the Crawford Coal plant after they already caused so much damage and covered our neighborhood in a dust cloud. Their track record proves that they do not value the public health of our community, which already has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

“The City’s decision to reauthorize the demolition is irresponsible and downright disrespectful to our community. Official notice still has not be given to neighbors, which is completely unacceptable.

“The City cannot say that it prioritizes the health of black and brown communities and then allow a known polluter to continue their demolition. The mayor needs to deny the demolition permits and to stop work on the site immediately. We deserve actual protection during this crisis, not lip service.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) and other elected officials are partnering with community organizations to distribute masks to the Little Village community on Wednesday. Mask distribution is first come, first served, with priority given to seniors.

“Little Village has the highest infection rate in the entire state, and we need to make sure that the most vulnerable people in our community are protected,” Villanueva said. “We all must take precautions to protect them, so please come by to get a mask if you do not have one.”

Event partners include Enlace Chicago, Rincón Family Services and Telpochcalli Community Education Project.

WHO:  State Senator Celina Villanueva, Alderperson Michael Rodriguez, U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García, Commissioner Alma E. Anaya, State Representatives Lisa Hernandez, Edgar Gonzalez and Aarón Ortíz

WHAT: Little Village Mask Distribution

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13, 2020 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Second Federal Bank (West Parking Lot), 2520 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60623

CHICAGO – With her home ZIP code experiencing the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the state, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Staying at home is a privilege that working people literally cannot afford. With an overwhelmed unemployment system, no adequate safety net and lack of personal protective equipment, people in my community are forced to choose between getting infected at work or losing everything.

“As we continue adapting to this pandemic, we must address the amplified economic and health disparities in our communities. It is black and brown ZIP codes that have the highest rates of infection, so addressing that starts with additional testing sites in our neighborhoods.

“I am grateful that the governor announced he is partnering with community health centers to make testing more available, as well as covered by emergency Medicaid regardless of status. I urge the governor to continue these partnerships and to reach out to local businesses to ensure that they are strictly following health and safety guidelines for the thousands of service industry and other essential workers who are putting their lives on the line.”

CHICAGO – With the coronavirus pandemic forcing thousands of businesses to close, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) urges eligible Chicago business owners to apply for the new Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program.

“Many of the assistance programs available are not accessible to the most vulnerable in our community,” Villanueva said. “Working people deserve relief regardless of status. This program is open to those who are too often left behind.”

The Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program will award 1,000 businesses with four or fewer employees a one-time grant of $5,000. The grant money, funded entirely by private donations, must be used as working capital for expenses such as payroll, rent, insurance or taxes. Applications are available in English and Spanish on the City of Chicago’s website and are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020.

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Four or fewer employees,
• Less than $250,000 annual revenue,
• Located in the city of Chicago,
• In business for at least one year,
• 25% decrease in revenue due to COVID-19, and
• Located in a low- or moderate-income Community Area.

Applicants must provide a valid ID and completed W9 form. CityKey is an accepted form of ID. Recipients will be chosen by a lottery on May 11 and issued their grant within two business days.

New COVID-19 testing center open in Little Village

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) announced today that a new COVID-19 testing facility is open in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago.

“The systemic health disparities my community faces have existed since well before this pandemic, but are now on display for everyone to see,” Villanueva said. “I am grateful that the state is increasing testing availability in the communities hardest hit by coronavirus. Everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of their ZIP code.”

The new testing facility will be administered by Howard Brown Health and located at Project Vida, 2659 S. Kedvale Ave., Chicago. They can be reached by phone at 773-388-1600. Services will be available to all residents regardless of immigration status.

Other COVID-19 testing sites in and near the 11^th Senate District include:

• AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center, 5101 Willow Springs Rd., La Grange (708-245-9000)
• Esperanza Health Center, 2001 S. California Ave., #100, Chicago (773-584-6200)
• Esperanza Health Center, 4700 S. California Ave., Chicago (773-584-6200)
• Lawndale Christian Health Center, 3860 Ogden Ave., Chicago (872-588-3000)
• Mile Square Health Center, 1220 S. Wood St., Chicago (312-996-2000)
• Rush Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple Ave., Chicago (708-383-9300)
• Saint Anthony Hospital, 2875 W. 19^th St., Chicago (773-484-1000)
• Sinai Health System, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., Chicago (773-542-2000)

Many testing sites require you to make an appointment with your primary health provider before getting tested for COVID-19. Please call in advance to see what steps are necessary before getting tested.