Illinois Senate recognizes March 31 as Farmworkers Day and April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led two resolutions through the Illinois Senate to honor the legacy of farmworkers and uplift one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. The measures designate March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day in Illinois.

“Farmworkers have long carried this country on their backs while too often being denied the protections and recognition they deserve,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As the granddaughter of a Bracero worker who came to this country during and after World War II to work in our fields — and as a proud Latina — I’m honored to help ensure their sacrifices and contributions are seen, valued and remembered — not just in words, but through the policies we fight for every day.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is reaffirming Illinois’ commitment to pay equity by recognizing March 26 as Equal Pay Day in Illinois — marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year.

“Equal pay is about fairness, but it’s also about economic stability for families and communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “When women are paid less, households have less to spend, save and invest. Closing the wage gap strengthens our entire economy.”

Senate Resolution 668 draws attention to persistent wage disparities across gender, race and identity. On average, women must work until late March to catch up to men’s prior-year earnings — but for many, the gap stretches much further. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is advancing legislation to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults and individuals living with HIV are treated with dignity and respect in long-term care settings.

“No one should have to hide who they are or fear discrimination when receiving care,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV can age with dignity, respect and equal treatment in long-term care settings.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“For too long, communities already facing environmental burdens have been forced to carry a disproportionate share of pollution and its impacts,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures that environmental justice is part of the decision-making process so we can better protect the health and well-being of residents across Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3772 would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate environmental justice factors when reviewing certain air pollution construction permit applications.

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.”

Senate Bill 3391 would require charter school operators to formally execute renewal agreements within 90 days of approval and establish stronger financial safeguards to ensure students, staff and public resources are protected if a charter school closes.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure young adults can access reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers, a new law led by State Senator Celina Villanueva expands access to contraception and medication abortion directly on college campuses across Illinois.

“Young people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law meets students where they are—on campus—and affirms their right to make decisions about their own bodies with dignity and convenience.”

House Bill 3709 requires all public colleges and universities in Illinois to provide students with access to a health care provider who can prescribe contraception and medication abortion starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. If a campus has an on-site pharmacy, it must fill those prescriptions upon request—giving students the option to avoid third-party providers if they choose.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to predatory towing practices that have long exploited Illinois drivers, a new law championed by State Senator Celina Villanueva has been signed — giving state regulators stronger tools to hold rogue operators accountable and ensure safer, fairer roads.

“Far too many drivers have been taken advantage of by shady tow companies that operate without oversight, move vehicles without consent and charge outrageous fees,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With this new law, we’re letting people know that Illinois will not tolerate predatory practices that harm working families and undermine public trust.”