BATAVIA, Ill. – To help local families struggling with diaper need, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, recently hosted a diaper collection drive.

“Having a newborn or a toddler can be tough enough as is, but struggling with diaper need can cause many long-term negative consequences for low-income families,” said Villa. “Ensuring families have access to an adequate supply of diapers can make a huge difference in their lives, so I thank the community for coming together during Diaper Need Awareness Week and for the generous donations to my diaper collection drive.”

Villa recently hosted a diaper collection drive during Diaper Need Awareness Week to benefit residents of the Batavia Apartments. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy.

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

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is inviting small business owners and residents to a town hall event on the Fair Tax plan, co-hosted with state Rep. Karina Villa (D-Batavia), on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd at 7 p.m. at Two Brothers Roundhouse, located at 205 N. Broadway in Aurora.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it is my priority as a state representative to provide information on the Fair Tax and its potential implications for business owners,” said Hernandez. “I strongly encourage business owners to attend to learn about this new legislation and ask questions.”

Hernandez and Villa will be joined by Ralph Matire, the Director of Tax and Budget Accountability, a bipartisan think tank working to promote economic justice in communities. They will update attendees on the Fair Tax and the efforts to provide relief for local businesses, as well as answering questions from guests. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information on this event, or to RSVP, please contact Hernandez’s constituent services office at 630-270-1848 or email RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.

 

Who:     State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, State Rep. Karina Villa, and the Center for  Tax    

and Budget Accountability

What:    Small Business Fair Tax Town Hall

When:  Tuesday, Oct. 22nd from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Two Brothers Roundhouse, located at 205 N. Broadway in Aurora

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following a spike in reports linking vaping to breathing problems and deaths, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is sponsoring legislation to ban flavored tobacco products, such as flavored juice for vapes and e-cigarettes, from being sold, bought and distributed in Illinois.

“Vaping is often marketed as being safer than cigarettes, but we are finding that may not be the case,” said Villa. “It is clear that these products are marketed to appeal directly to teens and children, while their brains are still developing and they are more vulnerable to the addictive properties of nicotine. Fruity and candy flavors draw teens in, causing them to form a dangerous, unhealthy habit at an early age.”

So far, at least six people have died from vaping-related lung complications, the first being reported in Illinois. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has also recently reported that as many as 450 cases of serious lung disease have been linked to e-cigarette use, or vaping. In response, Villa is supporting House Bill 3883, an initiative to ban flavored tobacco products in Illinois. Villa also sponsored House Bill 345, also known as Tobacco 21, which raised the minimum age to buy tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21 years old. Tobacco 21 is now law.

“Smoking is a public health issue, and too many young individuals are dying and becoming sick from vaping and the use of other unsafe tobacco products,” continued Villa. “Keeping tobacco products out of the hands of children is critical, and banning flavored tobacco products specifically geared toward them is a step in the right direction.”

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

BATAVIA, Ill. – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is highlighting a new law she passed that will expand insurance coverage for mammograms.

“Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women, and the risks are even greater for Latinas and other women of color,” said Villa. “Breast cancer screenings have the power to save lives, as early detection is critical and increases a patient’s likelihood of survival and recovery.”

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women ages 40 to 44 should consult their regular physician about their personal risk factors for breast cancer, which can include aging, alcohol consumption, family history, an inactive lifestyle and obesity. For women ages 45 to 54, the ACS recommends receiving an annual mammogram and that women older than 55 switch to receive mammograms every other year, unless a doctor recommends more frequent screening.

Villa’s Senate Bill 162, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, will expand preventative care to cover diagnostic mammograms, ensuring that there is no cost sharing or copayment for patients. Diagnostic mammograms are used as a follow-up to evaluate abnormalities seen or suspected on a screening mammogram. Currently, screening mammograms are considered preventative care, and are covered by all marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. Villa also supported a state budget that protects funding for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), providing low-income women with free cancer screenings

“While Donald Trump and other extreme politicians have worked to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, I have fought to maintain access to potentially lifesaving breast cancer screenings for low-income women,” continued Villa. “Women’s health care is a fundamental right, and it is critical that they have access to necessary screenings and follow-up tests without fear of facing exorbitant, out-of-pocket costs.”

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

BATAVIA, Ill. – Continuing her commitment to fight for affordable health care for local residents, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is partnering with the Illinois Department on Aging for a Medicare Seminar.

“I am working to build an Illinois that prioritizes the needs of seniors and middle-class families by addressing outrageous rises in health care prices and reining in prescription drug costs,” said Villa. “Part of my commitment to building a stronger Illinois is fighting for affordable health care, especially for our seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes.”

Villa is inviting area seniors, their family members and caretakers to her upcoming Medicare Seminar on Friday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at Batavia City Hall, located at 100 N. Island Ave. Experts from the Illinois Department of Aging will give a presentation about different Medicare plans, new enrollment, important deadlines, and will be available to answer questions about senior care.

“Understanding Medicare, the enrollment process and the different plans is very important,” continued Villa. “I encourage local seniors to stop by my upcoming Medicare seminar to learn more about Medicare and the savings and benefits they are entitled to.”

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

BATAVIA, Ill. – To meet with area residents to discuss important issues facing the local community and state, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is hosting Koffee with Karina at Limestone Coffee and Tea later this month.

“Hearing the thoughts and concerns of the residents I represent helps me be a strong voice for our community and stay connected to our neighbors,” said Villa. “I will be heading back to Springfield for veto session soon, so I encourage area residents to stop by Koffee with Karina to share their ideas for new legislation or to discuss their thoughts on issues facing Illinois.”

Villa is inviting local residents to Koffee with Karina on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Limestone Coffee and Tea, located at 8 W. Wilson St. in Batavia. 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.

“Being as accessible as possible to the people I represent is very important to me, and I think it is critical to foster continuous conversation on how local leaders and area residents can work together to improve our communities,” continued Villa. “I enjoy having discussions with residents about how we can move our state forward, so I encourage local residents to join me for Koffee with Karina later this month!”

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

BATAVIA, Ill. – To help local families that struggle with diaper need, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is hosting a diaper drive during Diaper Need Awareness Week.

“Struggling with diaper need and accessibility issues can cause many long-term negative consequences for low-income families,” said Villa. “Aside from immediate cleanliness and hygiene issues for the baby or toddler that include exposure to more potential health risks, these children are also less likely to be accepted to daycares, leaving parents unable to work and making it even harder to afford diapers.”

Rep. Villa is encouraging local residents to donate children’s diapers during Diaper Need Awareness Week, which is Sept. 23 through 27. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. Diaper donations can be dropped off at Villa’s district office, located at 106 W. Wilson St., Suite 13 in Batavia, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations will benefit residents of the Batavia Apartments, and the greatest need is for diapers size 5 and 6.

“The National Diaper Bank Network estimates that the average cost of disposable diapers per baby can cost a family nearly $80 a month. Families should not have to choose between buying diapers, buying groceries or paying their utility bills,” said Villa. “I encourage local residents that are able to consider donating. Ensuring local families have access to an adequate supply of diapers can make a huge difference in their lives.”

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

BATAVIA, Ill. – State Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, has been chosen to join the newly-formed Property Tax Task Force that will study and recommend to the General Assembly the best policies to relieve the property tax burden on working and middle-class homeowners.

“Homeowners can no longer afford the extreme property tax burden that they are facing,” Villa said. “Owning a home is not an extravagant or unusual goal, and we should be working to ensure that families can afford the taxes on their homes and are not driven out of the state.”

Villa was recently appointed to the Property Tax Relief Task Force to help develop true and comprehensive solutions to cut property taxes for homeowners throughout the state. The task force created by Senate Bill 1932 is comprised of legislators of both parties and other leaders across the state. Within 90 days, it will produce a report outlining policy solutions for implementing property tax relief for homeowners.

“Bringing economic opportunity back to my communities is one of my primary goals, but that cannot happen if residents cannot afford their property taxes,” Villa said. “This task force will help find critical new solutions to this pressing problem.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation recently supported by state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, will ensure survivors of sexual assault receive necessary medical care as soon as possible.

“When a survivor seeks medical attention after a sexual assault, timing is everything as medical professionals treat their injuries and law enforcement work to collect evidence,” said Villa. “This legislation will ensure that survivors receive prompt medical attention by expanding the number of medical facilities they can receive care at, including pediatric hospitals if medically necessary or more convenient.”

Villa supported House Bill 3038, an initiative by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to expand access to medical care for survivors of sexual assault. The measure, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, will allow adult survivors to be treated at any hospital, even if it is typically only for pediatric patients.

“I proudly supported this legislation because expanding medical care resources for survivors of sexual assault is commonsense to ensure they receive appropriate medical attention as soon as possible,” continued Villa. “I thank the governor for standing with survivors and signing this legislation into law.”

BATAVIA, Ill. – Highlighting the need to protect our environment and the important conservation work of the Brookfield Zoo, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, recently partnered with the Holmstad Retirement Community to host the Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors for Mooseheart students.

“Reducing our impact on the planet and protecting the environment are top issues on both the state and local level. The interactive Brookfield Zoo Animal Ambassadors program does an excellent job of teaching children the importance of conservation, a healthy environment and its impact on wildlife,” said Villa. “Teaching children at an early age the need to preserve our planet is critical, so I am glad that I was able to host this program for our local students.”