Jiménez Focuses on Housing Affordability, Protections for Immigrant Students, Young Family Services as House Adjourns

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, issued the following statement as the Illinois House concluded its spring legislative session on Saturday:

“Families are rightly worried about not making the rent on time, getting their kids to school and if they’ll be ripped from their families by immigration enforcement if they turn down the wrong street. These are not the conditions under which Illinois can thrive, and I will not stand for it.

“However, our state budget has been a powerful weapon against this federal onslaught, and I have made sure that each line item works for our families. I reallocated $193 million dollars in bureaucratic inefficiencies to free and local health clinics, safety net hospitals and afterschool and violence prevention programs.

“I also used my legislative agenda to move us in a more welcoming, compassionate direction. Immigration is a common thread in our state, and no one is immune from the attacks families are facing. That’s why I took steps to help insulate our public schools from unjust, surprise immigration raids to ensure our students can learn without fear.

We can’t be productive members of society without secure, affordable housing. I moved to expand our knowledge and application of community land trusts, making them an effective tool for keeping longtime residents in the communities they love.

“As our spring legislative session wraps up, it’s critical now more than ever that our work continues to create a state our kids, and the next generation, deserve. My parents taught me that, if not me, then who? For them and all those who I represent, I am ready and willing to continue these fights.”