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

MELROSE PARK – As testing continues to be a priority in stopping the spread of COVID-19, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) announced a new testing facility opening on May 11 in Melrose Park to serve Proviso Township residents.

“Nearby increased testing is imperative for the communities I represent,” Lightford said. “I am grateful for the work Access Community Network has done to launch their site and their continued commitment to the health of our local residents.”

As of May 7, Proviso Township had seen 2,052 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) encouraged Champaign County residents to fill out the 2020 Census, protecting their representation in government and share of federal funding.

“The census is currently underway and is easy to complete with the new online questionnaire option. For a family of four, I was able to fill it out in a matter of minutes using a smartphone,” Bennett said. “Responding to the census is critically important because it determines funding for things like roads, hospitals, fire departments, and schools in Champaign County.”

In 2010, Champaign County had a final response rate of 70.4%. So far this year, Champaign’s response rate is down, currently only at 60.7%. More than half of the county’s residents’ responses have been submitted online.

Urges Chicagoans to complete the 2020 Census

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) reminded city residents to fill out the 2020 Census, pointing out that their legislative representation and federal funding is dependent on their participation.

“Funding for everything from hospitals, unemployment, school lunch programs, community businesses– are all determined by census participation,” Van Pelt said. “It’s crucial that everyone fills it out. It will only take 10 minutes of your time.”