CHICAGO – Committed to ensuring all women have access to comprehensive health care services, state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, is highlighting the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program, which provides uninsured women free screenings and treatment. 

“Women of color are disproportionately affected by both breast and cervical cancer as a result of barriers to care,” Ortiz said. “With Breast Cancer Awareness Month upon us, I want to draw attention to crucial state services that ensure women in communities like the ones I represent have access to comprehensive health care.”

The Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) is operated by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), providing eligible women free breast exams and mammograms, as well as Pap tests and pelvic exams. Women are eligible for these services if they are an uninsured Illinois resident between the ages of 35 and 64. Additionally, if someone who is enrolled in the IBCCP is diagnosed with cancer through the program’s screenings and tests, they would be eligible to receive treatment benefits. For more information, please visit www.dph.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Women’s Health-Line at 1-888-522-1282.

“Health care is a human right, which is why I supported a budget that provides millions in funding for potentially lifesaving cancer screenings,” Ortiz added. “While we made great progress this year to build a stronger Illinois for women and families, much work remains to be done to expand access to health care and ensure nobody is denied care because they are uninsured.”

CHICAGO –  State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, is pushing back against the bigoted rhetoric of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) new deportation chief for the Midwest by highlighting how recently enacted state-level protections will help keep Illinois families together and prevent discrimination or intimidation.

“It is no surprise that Donald Trump’s new deportation chief is using the same bigoted rhetoric to dehumanize immigrant families in our community,” Ortiz said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Springfield to provide families much-needed peace of mind by making it harder for ICE to separate families and cracking down on any sort of discrimination or intimidation.”

This spring, Ortiz supported a series of measures to keep families together and ensure nobody is targeted or harassed because of their immigration status, including:

• House Bill 1637, which prohibits local law enforcement from entering into agreements with ICE that permit them to enforce family separation policies;
• Senate Bill 1290, which makes it unlawful for landlords to evict or harass a tenant based on their immigration status; and
• Senate Bill 1429, which prevents individuals from using someone’s immigration status to intimidate them or try to silence them in civil court proceedings.

At a recent press conference, ICE’s deportation chief falsely claimed that most of the arrests they make nationwide take place in local jails across the country. However, records show that roughly two-thirds of people locked up in ICE facilitates have no criminal records. 

“Trump officials must held accountable when they purposely mislead the public to advance their bigoted agenda,” Ortiz said. “It is my hope that other states look to the work we’ve done in Illinois and make it known to Donald Trump that our communities are stronger when we protect the most vulnerable and lift each other up.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, is working with state Rep. Celina Villanueva, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, and Ald. Mike Rodriguez to help local residents reduce their property tax bills by hosting two property tax appeal workshops this month.

“One of the top concerns I hear from families in my community as I walk door-to-door is the issue of high property taxes,” Ortiz said. “The appeal process can be burdensome and complicated so I’m working to bring assistance directly to the community and ensure families are informed on the appeal process.”

Ortiz will host appeal seminars on the following dates and at the following locations:                                                     

• Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Talman Elementary Gymnasium, located at 5450 S. Talman Ave in Chicago. This workshop will serve the residents of Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park and West Lawn.
• Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Salvation Army Midway Community Center, located at 5036 W. 47th St in Chicago. This workshop will serve the residents of Archer Heights, Clearing, Garfield Ridge, LeClaire-Hearst, Sleepy Hollow Vittum Park and West Elsdon.

These events are free and open to the public. Experts will be on hand to help local residents understand the process of appealing the assessed value of their homes. Homeowners can learn about the basics of property assessments, how to appeal the assessment and what exemptions are available. Homeowners are encouraged to bring their most recent assessments and a valid state ID or driver’s license to receive help.

“In order to build a stronger Illinois for working families, we must do everything we can to lower the property tax burden on local families,” Ortiz added. “Assistance will be available in Spanish also, so I encourage all local residents to join us and receive help.”

Homeowners can print the necessary appeal documents at tinyurl.com/yxe8xr44 (case-sensitive) and fill out as much as they can before the event. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Ortiz’s office at 773-236-0117.

CHICAGO – Committed to ensuring everyone is counted and heard in the 2020 Census, state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, is hosting a community conversation about the importance of participating on Saturday, September 7 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at El Tarasco Restaurant, located at 4358 W. 51st in Chicago.

“We must work like never before to overcome Donald Trump’s bigoted and politically driven attempt to discourage Latino participation in the 2020 Census,” Ortiz said. “Our communities must know that they have nothing to fear if they fill out the census, so my hope is that this event will allow local families to ask questions and have their concerns addressed.”

As the 2020 Census approaches, Ortiz and fellow members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus are working to ensure every community is counted, particularly focusing on “hard-to-count” which to tend to be immigrant and working class. Local residents are encouraged to meet with Ortiz and other Latino legislators to learn about how the 2020 Census will impact the share of funds communities receive for local schools, roads, and other critical services. 

“In order for us to secure equitable funds for our local schools and other critical services that help our community, we must all be counted,” Ortiz added. “I encourage local families to come out and meet with us and learn how they can help ensure their family members, friends and neighbors participate in the 2020 Census.” 

 CHICAGO – Underserved communities, which tend to be low-income and immigrant, will have expanded access to banking services under a new law backed by state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago. 

“It’s unacceptable that working-class communities often lack the choice of basic banking services which forces them to rely on predatory entities like payday lenders,” Ortiz said. “This legislation will ensure working families are not locked into a perpetual of debt as they lose their hard-earned money paying off outrageous fees and high interest rates.”

Ortiz voted to pass Senate Bill 1332, which creates the Bank On Illinois program, enabling the Illinois Comptroller’s office to partner with banks, credit unions, consumer advocates and community organizations to certify financial products that benefit consumers and communities that lack traditional banking services. Under the Ortiz-backed law, underserved communities will have access to fair financial service options like no maintenance fees and low or no overdraft fees. Bank On programs will also provide secured personal loans that allow consumers with low credits scores to begin rebuilding their credit. The bill received bipartisan support, and was recently signed into law.  

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), more than one-fifth of Illinois households do their financial business outside of the traditional banking system. Lack of access to traditional banking services forces people to rely on entities like payday lenders, cash checkers and other predatory lenders that charge outlandish fees for basic services and high interest rates on lending. The Brookings Institute found that on average, someone who has to rely on these predatory services pays roughly $40,000 in fees over a lifetime.

“In order to build a stronger Illinois, we must invest in all of our neighborhoods, ensuring working families are able to access credit and build wealth,” Ortiz added. “I’m grateful for the governor’s commitment to reinvesting in communities that have long been forgotten or ignored by self-serving politicians.”

CHICAGO – Undocumented students at the University of Illinois will have a voice in their university’s decisions under legislation passed by state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, expanding student body representation among the university board of trustees which is now law.

“Undocumented students pay taxes just like everyone else. They pay tuition and fees just like everyone else. So they deserve the ability to run for leadership positions within the university and be a voice for their classmates and community,” said Ortiz. “I’m proud to have carried this legislation on behalf of the University of Illinois, ensuring that every voice is welcomed and heard when decisions are being made.”

Ortiz championed Senate Bill 172, which will change current requirements to demonstrate Illinois residency to be considered eligible to serve as a student-trustee on the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois. The legislation is a response to an undocumented University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) student, who under previous law didn’t qualify to run for a student-trustee position because of a lack of valid voter registration. Ortiz’s new law will require students wishing to be elected as student-trustee to provide proof of their Illinois home for at least the last 6 months, and only one of the following:

• Current, valid Illinois driver’s license or Illinois Identification Card; or
• Valid, Illinois voter registration.

Previously, students were required to satisfy all three criteria.

“The U of I System commends Rep. Ortiz for his leadership on this matter and his advocacy for a greater opportunity by students to have a voice in university governance,” said Jennifer Creasey, Director of State Relations in the Office for Governmental Relations for the University of Illinois System.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, is inviting local families to kick off a new school year with a variety of free services and resources at his ‘Back to School Bash’ on Tuesday, August 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Thomas Kelly College Prep, located at 4136 S. California Ave in Chicago.

“As a former school counselor, I know first-hand the difficulties many families in my neighborhood face when it comes to preparing their kids for a new school year,” Ortiz said “I’m grateful to all of the community partners that worked with us to ensure neighborhood students have the tools and confidence they need to succeed.”  

Ortiz is partnering with Reps. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, and Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya and local service providers to offer local families a fun experience as they prepare their kids for a new school years. Children will be able to enjoy music, food, and games while receiving free school supplies, physicals and haircuts. School essentials will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

“Improving our local schools is a top priority for me, which is why I fought to provide them an additional $375 million in funding and demanded an elected Chicago School Board,” Ortiz added. “I look forward to meeting neighborhood families at our event and encourage them to get in touch with my office if they’re ever in need of assistance.”

For more information, please contact Ortiz’s full-time constituent service office by calling 773-236-0117 or emailing district@repaaronortiz.com.

CHICAGO – In light of the horrific hate-driven attack in El Paso, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement condemning Donald Trump for his racist rhetoric as it is inciting violence towards Latinos and immigrants, and called for action on the Fix the FOID Act, which remained in the state Senate after passing the House this spring.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims at the tragic attack in El Paso over the weekend. It is truly disturbing to learn that this attack may have occurred because the individual was emboldened by white supremacist rhetoric that scapegoats immigrants for failed economic policies that have enriched multinational corporations and the top 1% at the expense of the middle class. 

“Donald Trump has time and time again invoked this bigoted rhetoric for political gain and to justify his extremist agenda. He has continuously vilified and dehumanized immigrants and communities of color. He has given a megaphone to white supremacy, refusing to condemn it every time he’s had the chance to. Just three months ago, he literally laughed and joked after a supporter of his suggested shooting migrants at one of his rallies. Donald Trump is at fault for the rise in hate crimes we have seen over the last few years and for the hate-driven attack in El Paso. His rhetoric must be called out for what it is and must be condemned. White supremacy is an affront to our values and security, jeopardizing the well-being of the communities we represent.

“While thoughts and prayers provide much-needed solace to the families of the victims of gun violence, they are not enough. Earlier this spring, the House passed legislation to fix the FOID by eliminating existing loopholes in the law that have allowed dangerous criminals to obtain deadly weapons and murder our fellow citizens. While progress on it has stalled, we are committed to ensuring its passage and discussing further options to keep our families safe from senseless violence. For the sake of our families and children, we must lead, as it clear that Donald Trump and his allies care more about pleasing the NRA and gun manufactures than protecting our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, which would make it easier for qualifying Cook County seniors to receive cost-saving exemptions awaits Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.

“While we work to rein in skyrocketing property taxes, we must make sure that cost-saving exemptions are accessible to all families, especially seniors who may live on fixed income,” Ortiz said. “This legislation will bring much-needed stability to local seniors by ensuring that they don’t miss out on property tax savings because of unnecessary bureaucracy.”

Ortiz voted to pass House Bill 833, which creates a five-year pilot program from 2020 to 2024 for qualifying seniors to continue receiving their Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption without having to reapply each year. Cook County is currently the only county in Illinois where older homeowners are forced by state law to go annually through the burdensome application process in order to receive this tax relief exemption.

According to the Cook County Treasurer’s office, as many as 26,000 local seniors in Cook County didn’t reapply for annual property tax exemptions and discounts potentially are paying an estimated $45 million more than they should. Local seniors are encouraged to contact the county treasurer’s office to ensure they receive their exemption. Ortiz’s measure would simplify the complicated exemption process, ensuring that qualifying seniors do not miss out on necessary property tax relief.

“It’s unacceptable that thousands of seniors are potentially missing out on millions of dollars in savings because of present obstacles that overcomplicate things for them,” Ortiz added. “I look forward to Governor Pritzker signing this crucial measure into law to ensure nobody misses out on much-needed property tax relief.”  

CHICAGO – In light of Donald Trump’s attacks on affordable health care for working families, state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, championed legislation to help Illinois residents enroll in affordable health care coverage through the Illinois Marketplace by ensuring information is readily available to them.

“Donald Trump and his extremist allies are deliberately dismantling legislation that expanded access to health care to millions of people, including those with pre-existing conditions,” Ortiz said “He’s going so far as to limit access to information about affordable coverage options, which is why this legislation was necessary.”

Ortiz led the charge on House Bill 3487, which will require hospitals to display in each facility with an emergency room, information about how to enroll for an affordable health insurance plan through the state exchange. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, funding to promote and provide consumer enrollment assistance has been cut by millions of dollars, encouraging the promotion of limited-benefit coverage options that leave working families exposed to significant financial risk if they become ill or injured.

“While there’s more work to be done at the state-level to push back and protect access to health care, this legislation builds on the progress we’ve made,” Ortiz said. “I appreciate Governor Pritzker’s support to ensure working families are aware about all of the options they have to receive the care they need.”