Villanueva Fights for Fair Tax for Middle Class, Protections for Immigrant Families in First Legislative Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, fought for a Fair Tax, protections for immigrant families, and to ensure access to quality healthcare for working families during the spring legislative session.

Villanueva helped pass a Fair Tax for Illinois that would provide relief for 97% of taxpayers and fund critical services like schools and health care by asking the wealthy to finally pay their fair share.

“For far too long we have been giving a free pass to the ultra-wealthy,” Villanueva said. “A Fair Tax will level the playing field by requiring the wealthy to pay their fair share, provide the revenue needed to fund our neighborhood schools and critical services – all while providing tax relief for working families.”

To fight back against Donald Trump’s unprecedented attacks on immigrant families, Villanueva spearheaded the Keep Immigrant Families Together Act, House Bill 1637, which  prohibits law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements with Trump’s deportation officers in their efforts to intimidate immigrant residents and separate families. Additionally, Villanueva sponsored and helped pass legislation, House Bill 836, to protect immigrant children whose parents have been detained by immigration officials. As well as a proposal ensuring that Dreamers who are turned away from federal financial aid can still receive in-state tuition and financial aid at Illinois’ public higher education institutions.

“Immigrant children in our community are living in fear because of the unconscionable rhetoric and policies being pushed by Trump’s administration,” Villanueva said. “We cannot and must not allow hate to become the new status quo. It’s vital that we create statewide protections for immigrant families, to let them know that we stand with them and will not tolerate Trump’s attacks here in Illinois.”

While access to quality, affordable health care remains under attack by Washington politicians and huge insurance companies, Villanueva fought to preserve access to care for our communities by passing legation that would protect healthcare for millions of Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions, Senate Bill 2026. Additionally, Villanueva stood up to big insurance companies by passing legislation to stop double-digit premiums, House Bill 471, and cut the cost of prescription drugs, House Bill 156.

“Health care should be a basic human right, not a privilege for a select few,” Villanueva said. “Stripping heath care for working families to boost profits for big insurance companies is simply wrong. I will continue to do everything I can in Springfield to ensure that families in our community have access to quality care.”

“This session we took the first steps to build a stronger Illinois and a brighter future for working families in our state. However, there is more work we must accomplish. We deserve a state that puts working families first and I will continue to fight to stand up for our community each and every day.”