Lisa Hernandez Honors Friend & Colleague the Late State Rep. Cynthia Soto

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, honored the late Cynthia Soto on the House Floor on Latino Unity Day on Thursday. Soto was the first Latina elected state representative from Chicago’s Near Northwest Side and a founding member of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus.

“Cynthia’s mark on Illinois is undeniable, leading the passage of the enduring protections for immigrant families, raising the state minimum wage and streamlining kidney transplant and
treatment services for undocumented families,” Hernandez said. “I had the immense privilege of working alongside her during her 17 year long career in Illinois politics, and I am inspired everyday to fill her shoes following her retirement in 2019. The legislature mourns her passing, but we celebrate her life and legacy everyday through our words and actions. Illinois is better because of her time in the House, and I am proud to recognize her on the Floor.”

Hernandez introduced House Resolution 323 honoring the life, legacy and leadership of the late Cynthia Soto. She served the people of the 4th Illinois House District from 2001 through 2019, championing a variety of causes including health equity, immigrant support services and the economic enfranchisement of her community.

“Cindy often said her proudest legislative accomplishments were passing the TRUST Act which cracked down on cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE officials and ensuring more undocumented people struggling with life-threatening kidney problems get the support they need. That goes to show how remarkable not only of a legislator she was, but of a human being she was. Even after her passing, she continues to leave a mark on our state, ensuring we can fight back against the federal government's campaign of fear against our immigrant neighbors.”

For the full text of HR 323, visit ILGA.gov.