CHICAGO – Given the Trump administration’s targeted attacks on Chicago and Illinois and the present threat of mass deportations, state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, Jr., D-Chicago, will be hosting a Day of Love and Resistance to support community members and small businesses along the 26th Street corridor in Little Village.

“Fear and hate have no room in our community. My office, along with other elected officials and community leaders, will ensure we send a united message to all of our constituents and across the state of Illinois. La Villita se defiende! Chicago se defiende! Illinois se defiende!” said Gonzalez.

The offices of Representative Gonzalez and Alderperson Michael Rodriguez will serve as meet-up locations for anyone interested in participating in the canvassing portion of this event. Posters and materials will be available for display in storefronts, doors, and community spaces to spread messages of inclusion and resistance. This event is open to all ages—everyone is welcome! Please dress appropriately for the weather.

What: Day of Love and Resistance
When: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 12 p.m.
Where: Little Village Arch – corner of 26th St and Troy St
Who: State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, State Sen. Celina Villanueva, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Alderperson Michael Rodriguez

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., D-Chicago, was sworn in on Wednesday to a new term in the General Assembly, issuing a strong statement on his upcoming legislative agenda:

“I have spent my professional career fighting for the working families of Little Village, Brighton Park, and Cicero. We are a community of hard workers, big dreamers and doers, and I am proud to represent these communities in Springfield for another term.

“Illinois is at its best when it puts its workers, their families and their futures first. With the incoming Trump administration, it is no secret that we will face serious challenges at the federal level to protect workers rights from out-of-touch extremists and billion dollar corporations. When it comes to making sure our workers are safe in our factories and workplaces, I will not be deterred.

“To combat the high cost of living facing millions of Illinoisans, wages must rise again. To combat unsafe workplace conditions, enhanced regulatory and enforcement frameworks need to be put in place. To combat employers harassing undocumented workers, we need to protect current statute limiting coordination between ICE and local law enforcement. In this new term, the House must do everything in its power to protect our workers and continue to make Illinois an attractive place to start a business and raise a family on a living wage.

“I am honored to continue representing my community in Springfield. The connections I’ve made with families and households continue to give me the strength and support to fight the battles ahead. Let’s get back to work.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, D-Chicago, is working to expand diversity in the leadership of Illinois’ large non-profits with new legislation to show the race, ethnic, and gender breakdown of major grantmaking organizations and service providers.

“Who is in a leadership position almost always tells you who is in power, both in the public and private sector,” Gonzalez said. “People should be aware of these important demographics when they are making decisions about who to get involved with and how they use their voice through their participation in a non-profit organization. While the legislative process continues to take shape, I am encouraged by the overwhelming support it received so far.”

Gonzalez’s Senate Bill 2930 requires that a nonprofit’s aggregated demographic information of their directors and officers be accessible on their publicly available website for at least three years. Information on the company’s racial, ethnic, and gender makeup would be included.

CHICAGO – Familias afectadas por crímenes violentos ahora son garantizadas tiempo libre adicional bajo una ley nueva del representante estatal Edgar Gonzalez Jr, D-Chicago.

“No es ningún secreto que trabajamos diariamente para la estabilidad financiera. Es muy común que los trabajadores se encuentren en situaciones difíciles y tengan que negociar su tiempo libre del trabajo,” dijo Gonzalez. “Demasiadas familias en mi comunidad han sufrido pérdidas inimaginables debido a crímenes violentos. Desafortunadamente, mis constituyentes no pueden estar de luto por la pérdida de un ser querido y regularmente los familiares se encargan de los arreglos mientras se preocupan por el riesgo de su futuro financiero. Yo luché para cambiar esta narrativa, y seguiré luchando por los derechos y seguridad de todos en nuestra comunidad.” 

Gonzalez propuso el proyecto de ley 2493 que otorga que los trabajadores tomen dos semanas o diez días de tiempo libre sin pago después de la muerte de un ser querido debido a un crimen violento. Esta legislación expande cómo los empleadores pueden apoyar a sus empleados mientras se preparan o participan en preparativos tras la pérdida de un ser querido. Los empleadores y los empleados trabajaron juntos para verificar el tiempo libre con un aviso, el certificado de defunción o otro documento. La legislación entró en efecto el 1° de enero.

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CHICAGO – Families affected by violent crime are now guaranteed additional leave from work under a new law enacted by state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr, D-Chicago.

“It’s no secret that financial stability is something we work towards everyday. Pushing through difficult situations and negotiating an appropriate time to call off from work is very common,” Gonzalez said. “Too many families in my community have experienced unimaginable loss because of violent crimes. Unfortunately, constituents aren’t allowed to properly grieve the loss of a loved one, and regularly family members must put together arrangements while worrying about risking their financial future. I pushed to change this narrative and I will continue to fight for the rights and safety of everyone in our community.”

Gonzalez sponsored House Bill 2493 which entitles workers to two weeks or ten business days of unpaid leave following the death of a loved one due to violent crime. This legislation expands how employers can support their employees as they prepare for or participate in arrangements following the loss of a household member. Employers and employees will work together to certify the time off with a notice, a death certificate or another document. The legislation went into effect on Jan. 1.

CHICAGO – Dado que muchas en la comunidad dependen de dinero en efectivo para pagar ya sea el mandado de o servicios, el representante estatal Edgar Gonzalez Jr, D-Chicago, presentó legislación que garantiza que los negocios y restaurantes calificados sigan aceptando pagos en efectivo.  

“Esta legislación ha sido una prioridad para mí por mucho tiempo, porque muchas en la comunidad dependen del dinero en efectivo para pagar su gasolina, alimentos y mucho más”, dijo Gonzalez. “Debemos recordar que hasta en el siglo 21 hay muchos sin una tarjeta de débito o crédito, pero a pesar de esto merecen participar en su economía local.”

El proyecto de ley 3281 del Representante Gonzalez impedirá que los negocios rechacen atender a clientes por pagar con dinero en efectivo. Tiendas de comida, farmacias, gasolineras, y restaurantes que interactúan directamente con los clientes se les requiera aceptar pagos en efectivo. Solamente si lo siguiente pertenece a un negocio será exento de la nueva ley: el negocio no tiene la capacidad de aceptar efectivo o convertir el pago del cliente a una tarjeta prepagada, las operaciones son conducidas por teléfono, o el cliente utiliza una forma de autoservicio. Esta legislación cuenta con el apoyo de la Oficina del Tesorero de Illinois. 

“Si eres una persona mayor de edad con ingresos fijos o no cumple con ingresos ni puntos de crédito, efectivamente estás excluido de nuestra economía”, dijo Gonzalez. “Dado a que los pagos en efectivo son esenciales para los negocios del distrito, se espera que la comunidad apoye a la Asamblea General para avanzar con esta legislación. Espero trabajar con los demás representantes y el Senado para apoyar a innumerables residentes de Illinois.” 

Para mas informacion, visite ilga.gov. 

CHICAGO – With many in his community relying on cash to pay for goods and services, state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr, D-Chicago, introduced legislation ensuring that qualifying businesses and restaurants continue to accept cash. 

“This legislation has been a top priority for me for quite some time, because so many in my community rely on cash to pump their gas, pay for groceries and so many other things,” Gonzalez said. “Even in a 21st century society, we have to remember that not everyone has a debit or credit card, but they still deserve to participate in their local economy just the same.” 

Gonzalez’s House Bill 3281 would prevent businesses from refusing service to customers who choose to use cash as a form of payment. Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and restaurants that interact directly with their customers would be required to process cash payments. Businesses would only be exempt from the new law if any of the following pertain to them: the business is temporarily unable to accept cash or convert a customer’s payment into a prepaid card, the business conducts their operations over the phone, or the customer uses a self-service checkout. The legislation is supported by the Illinois Treasurer’s Office. 

“If you’re a senior on a fixed income or don’t meet arbitrary income or credit score requirements, you’re effectively shut out from our economy,” Gonzalez said. “Given that cash payments are vital for the businesses in the district, it is expected for the community to support the General Assembly in order to move forward with this legislation. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to support countless Illlinoisans.”

For more information, visit ilga.gov. 

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CHICAGO – El Representante estatal Edgar Gonzalez Jr, D-Chicago, presenta el evento ‘Oficina Embrujada’ por segunda vez, prometiendo sustos grandes, muchos dulces, y recursos para la familia. 

“Halloween es un buen momento en el cual podemos ofrecer una casa embrujada divertida y espeluznante para los niños y a la vez trabajar con las familias para brindarles los recursos que necesitan,” dijo Gonzalez. “Nos aseguramos de que el evento sea más grande y aterrador que nunca, entonces ojalá que nos visite nuestra comunidad.” 

La ‘Oficina Embrujada’ será el martes, 31 de octubre de 3 p.m. a 7 p.m. en la oficina de servicios para constituyentes de Rep. Gonzalez en 3202 W. 26th St. en La Villita. Todos los que vienen pueden esperar una casa embrujada muy aterradora, dulces, chocolate abuelita, café de olla, y una feria de recursos. 

Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a office@repedgargonzalez.com o llame al 708-295-9159.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr’s, D-Chicago, ‘Haunted Office’ event returns for the second year in a row, promising big scares, Halloween candy, and resources for families. 

“Halloween is a great time of year where we can both offer a fun, and spooky, haunted house for the kids and work with families to get them the resources they need,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve made sure this event is bigger and scarier than ever, so I hope my community can join us.” 

‘Haunted Office’ takes place Tuesday, October 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gonzalez’s constituent service office at 3202 W. 26th St. in Little Village. Attendees can expect a scary haunted mansion, candy, chocolate abuelita, cafe de olla and a resource fair. 

For more information, contact Gonzalez’s constituent service office at office@repedgargonzalez.com or 708-295-9159. 

CHICAGO – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr, D-Chicago, will join the members of the House Judiciary – Civil and Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and IT Committees on Wednesday to discuss how emerging technologies and artificial intelligence will impact Illinois families. 

“As technology continues to evolve in new and exciting ways, we as lawmakers have to make sure that consumers are protected, workers are not sidelined, and our future is secure,” Gonzalez said. “I’m looking forward to a lively discussion of some of the ways that new technologies and AI will impact Illinois and how we can best use these technologies for the benefit of everyone.” 

“Emerging Issues in Artificial Intelligence” is slated to take place on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. in the Michael A. Bilandic building at 160 N. La Salle St. in Chicago. Gonzalez is the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and IT Committee. 

Gonzalez helped pass a state budget with landmark investments in the technology and engineering sectors, securing millions to create computer science classes for low-income and underserved communities.  

For more information, visit ilga.gov. 

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