BARTLETT, Ill. – To meet with local residents and discuss important issues facing Illinois, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, recently hosted Koffee with Karina at the Bartlett Park District building.

“Being as accessible as possible to the people I represent is very important to me, so I can be a strong voice for our communities in Springfield,” said Villa. “I spend time knocking on doors in local neighborhoods and hosting events like my coffee shop stops because I enjoy having discussions with residents about how we can work together to improve our community and move our state forward.”

To stay connected with the community and hear the ideas and perspectives of local residents on issues facing the state, Villa has continuously hosted coffee shop stops, and regularly convenes advisory committees on a wide range of subjects including mental health, business and the environment.

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.

BARTLETT, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to boost the local economy and create new jobs, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, recently joined the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) to present the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) grant to Wittenstein, a local manufacturer of motors, gearboxes and controls, on behalf of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

“To build a stronger Illinois and a stronger middle class, it is critical that we invest in job training to build a skilled workforce and a high-wage economy,” said Villa. “Our state is facing a major shortage of workers for skilled, high-wage jobs. This grant will help Wittenstein continue to attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers.”

Villa was supportive of a major package of new laws to attract new businesses to the state and grow Illinois’ economy, including the elimination of the franchise tax, tax credits for businesses that create new jobs, and a tax credit for businesses with apprenticeship programs.

“Manufacturing is a critical component of Illinois’ economy,” said Mark Denzler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We appreciate Rep. Villa for working in a bipartisan manner to balance the state’s budget and reduce taxes on manufacturers while making a large investment to rebuild our state’s infrastructure.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.