CHICAGO – State Representative Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, joins the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA), the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economy Opportunity (DCEO) and ComEd to announce the expansion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) income guidelines on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11:30 a.m. at CEDA’s Chicago office located at 567 W. Lake Street, Suite 1200.

The policy change will allow more Cook County residents to qualify for utility bill assistance, making it easier for households to stay safe and secure in their homes. The expansion is expected to have a particularly meaningful impact on seniors living on fixed incomes, who are often caught in a gap where small cost-of-living adjustments disqualify them from critical support.

“Too often for seniors on fixed incomes, cost-of-living adjustments to their hard-earned retirement benefits mean they get kicked off their home energy or property tax assistance; it's unacceptable that $100 could mean a home-bound senior goes without heating or AC during record weather events,” Hernandez said. “Working with my constituents, CEDA and our dedicated advocates we were able to make sure that the income eligibility is raised and that home energy bill assistance is tied to any cost-of-living adjustments seniors receive. These simple tweaks will save seniors hundreds every year and help keep them safe in their homes.”

CEDA’s President and CEO, Harold Rice, added, “This change is a victory for Cook County families. By expanding income eligibility, more working households will qualify for assistance, more children will be able to live in safe and stable homes, and more seniors on fixed incomes will finally be protected from having to choose between paying for medicine, food, or utilities. This is exactly the kind of policy improvement that strengthens entire communities.”

For media outlets wishing to attend and cover the press conference, please reach out to Brandon Tejeras at btejeras@hds.ilga.gov by Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. with your name and organization.

BERWYN, Ill. – As federal immigration officials continue to threaten fearful immigrant families, workers and communities, state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is partnering with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) and the business community for a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at La Parra Restaurant in Berwyn.

“The work of educating our immigrant family members and neighbors has helped protect them from mass deportation efforts that strike at the very heart of our country’s founding principles,” Hernandez said. “But more has to be done to protect workers and immigrant owned businesses from raids to come. I’m proud to be partnering with the IHCC and our local small businesses to emphasize basic protective measures and the fundamental truth that America welcomes immigrants wanting a better life, not ripping parent from child.”

Hernandez and the IHCC will work together to educate the business community through the Tools to Protect Your Business: Be Prepared in Case of Deportation program. Outlining how to best operate amidst deportation raids, what to do in case of deportation and how your community can play a part in sustaining your business: these and other topics will be outlined in Tuesday’s press conference.

For more information, contact Hernandez’s district office at office@repehernandez.com or 708-222-5240.

What: Tools to Protect Your Business Press Conference
Who: State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, General Consul of Mexico in Chicago
Where: La Parra Restaurant, 6710 Cermak Rd, Berwyn
When: Tues., Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, is fighting for fair pay for restaurant workers and a level playing field for all businesses by advancing new legislation that would phase out lower wages for tipped workers and help suburban restaurants compete with their Chicago counterparts.

“This is a pro-worker, pro-business, pro-growth initiative,” Hernandez said. “By taking the principle of ‘one fair wage’ statewide, we can raise the standard of living for countless Illinois workers, who for too long have had to rely on tips from customers to subsidize poverty wages. Additionally, we can address an unsustainable situation for suburban employers who will struggle to hire in competition with Chicago restaurants that are already phasing out the sub-minimum wage. While more work on this bill remains, we continue to make progress everyday that moves towards a final product, addressing the needs of workers, businesses and local families.”

In October 2023, Chicago passed a “One Fair Wage” ordinance, eliminating a lower minimum wage restaurants were allowed to pay tipped workers. While the city’s measure brings fairer pay to thousands of employees, it has also created challenges for restaurants in neighboring suburbs, which could struggle to fill jobs at lower pay.

Hernandez’s House Bill 5345 levels the playing field for all businesses and paves the way for fair pay for every Illinois restaurant by eliminating sub-minimum wages statewide. Under her bill, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage for tipped workers would be raised to $15 per hour, coinciding with the state’s standard $15 minimum wage for non-tipped workers.

Hernandez’s legislation passed the Labor & Commerce committee on Wednesday.

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CICERO, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, will join state Sen. Mattie Hunter, other members of the General Assemby, the DREAM Fund and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) at a reception to celebrate the launch of a specialty lottery ticket that will fund scholarships for Black and Brown college students. 

“My top priority has always been opening up more opportunities for Black and Latino students to attend college, so finding ways to increase financial assistance was critical because so many in my community depend on it,” Hernandez said. “We estimate that about $1 million will be available to these funds. By purchasing the $5 Bingo Tripler, Illinoisans everywhere can help these students afford tuition and pursue their dreams.” 

Hernandez joins fellow legislative members and representatives from the IL DREAM Fund and UNCF to launch this specialty scratch off ticket Friday, February 16 at 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel at 151 E. Wacker Dr. The press conference begins at 5 p.m., followed by a VIP reception at 6 p.m. and a launch party at 7 p.m. 

To register for the event, RSVP here. 

To learn more about the Specialty Ticket, click here. 

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CICERO, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, announced more than $8.3 million in Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants which will help 2,109 local students afford a college education. 

“Too many families in my community can’t afford to send their children to college, even though they desperately want to,” Hernandez said. “Making a four-year degree more affordable is not a static issue and will require more action, but MAP grants have sent more than two thousand of our neighbors to college this past school year alone. State action to make college aspirations a reality will continue to be a priority for me, and increasing MAP funding is central to my efforts.” 

The new budget Hernandez worked to pass includes a major investment in college affordability, including a historic increase in funding for MAP grants. This new investment helped 2,109 local students secure a total of $8,330,521 in financial aid. 

“Our community is full of talented, bright students who can change the world, but the cost of college tuition continues to bar them from achieving their dreams,” Hernandez said. “I’m proud to say that not only are we changing that narrative, but we’re also making college a reality for more people than ever before. I cannot wait to see how these students shape their future.” 

For more information on MAP grants and ISAC opportunities, visit their website at https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/grants/monetary-award-program/. 

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CICERO, Ill. –  More family members will be able to serve as caregivers for people with disabilities under a new law enacted by state Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, expanding eligibility and benefits for in-home personal assistants.

“Family of people with disabilities know all too well that care is often incomplete, leaving them unable to best tend to their loved ones,” Hernandez said. “To make matters worse, our laws didn’t give families the flexibility to meet this need. But this legislation moves us in a better direction, allowing families to step in, provide care, and receive the benefits they deserve.” 

Hernandez’s Senate Bill 505 creates new, expanded criteria for people with disabilities to receive quality home care and assistance. Current law permits only spouses to serve in an official personal assistant capacity. However, Hernandez’s legislation includes guardians, siblings, kin, and parents, giving families greater latitude to meet their unique care needs. Furthermore, the legislation opens up benefits received as a personal assistant to those who now qualify. 

The measure was signed into law earlier this month. 

“This legislation is only the beginning of our collective efforts to improve standards of care across the board,” Hernandez said. “I am thankful to Governor Pritzker for signing this legislation into law and helping us take this great step forward.”

For more information, please contact office@repehernandez.com. 

CICERO, Ill. — Illinois residents sending money to family overseas will also be able to help Dreamers afford a college education in Illinois under legislation introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero.

“This bill is an important step in supporting our young people’s dreams and aspirations,” Hernandez said. “The Illinois DREAM Fund provides scholarships and assistance to children of immigrants who want to pursue higher education but face financial hardships.”

As many residents living and working in Illinois send a portion of their income to family members living outside of the United States, Hernandez has filed House Bill 3233, which will allow those individuals to also support the Illinois DREAM Fund, which serves to help finance high schoolers born outside the United States and brought over as children who are not eligible for federal grants when applying to college in the United States. House Bill 3233 allows currency exchange customers sending money overseas to voluntarily round up the transaction fees to the nearest dollar to support the DREAM Fund.

“I am proud to introduce this bill that will have a positive impact on the lives of our youth,” Hernandez said. “I believe it is essential that we provide opportunities for all of our students, regardless of their background. By rounding up their transactions, customers statewide can make a small contribution that will go a long way to help students who otherwise don’t qualify for federal grants a chance to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.”

Hernandez has long supported children of immigrants. She recognizes the challenges that these individuals face when pursuing higher education. She will continue to advocate for legislation to help provide financial assistance for students statewide.

CICERO, Ill. — To honor the legacy of labor rights activist César Chávez’s 96th birthday, state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, will be collecting non-perishable food at her district office located at 6117 W. Cermak Rd. in Cicero, now through March 31.

“As a labor leader, organizer, and civil rights activist, César Chávez made an indelible mark on American history, agriculture and the labor movement at large,” Hernandez said. “He fought tirelessly to improve the working conditions for the farmers who put food on our tables, and his activism still inspires many in the ongoing fight for social justice.”

Chávez was a Mexican-American civil rights activist, U.S. Navy veteran and labor leader who founded the National Farm Workers Association, which eventually became the United Farm Workers labor union. He spent his life fighting to improve the living and working conditions of migrant farm workers and is known for using nonviolent forms of protest such as boycotts and hunger strikes.

“Chávez fought for the dignity and equal treatment of all people. In honor of what would have been his 96th birthday, we are helping to end hunger in our community,” Hernandez said. “I encourage everyone to give what they can to help those in need. Even small donations add up to a big impact. César Chávez may be gone, but his cause and his memory live on in our actions.”

Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Hernandez’s district office from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from now until César Chávez Day, March 31.  For more information, please contact Rep. Hernandez’s constituent service office at 708-222-5240 or Office@RepEHernandez.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, will continue to fight for fair funding for critical services as a member of a key budget forecasting panel,

“We need to make sure lifesaving services like healthcare and senior care are always fully funded, and we must continue to make smart investments in education, job training, and infrastructure to build a stronger future. That will be my goal as a member of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability,” Hernandez said. “As we come together to craft this year’s budget, it is essential that we use accurate information to make informed decisions and continue to build budgets that are both fiscally and socially responsible.”

Hernandez was appointed to join The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, a nonpartisan legislative agency that provides research on state economic data. The fiscal oversight they provide is crucial to legislators as they craft the budget and fund critical programs.

“I am grateful to Speaker Welch for this appointment and the opportunity to help get Illinois’ fiscal house back in order,” Hernandez said. “We have a long way to go, but I am confident that with continued effort and support from the Commission and my fellow legislators, we can build a more fiscally sound state for future generations to enjoy.”

CICERO, Ill. — Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, will ensure local voices are heard in major conversations about funding critical services, education, economic development and immigration rights as a member of several key House committees. Her legislative agenda for the coming session includes plans to promote economic development and to improve educational opportunities throughout Illinois.

“Many Illinois schools have not yet fully recovered from the Covid-19 crisis. I am ready to get to work to make funding for education a priority and to identify and address these issues that have piled up due to the pandemic,” Hernandez said. “And in the wake of unprecedented immigration challenges and other developments including the unethical practice of some officials in other states who are sending immigrants to Illinois on buses, I am also excited to have the opportunity to continue to support our immigrant communities statewide.”

Hernandez, who worked in Cicero Public Schools for 17 years, will advocate for fair education funding for all communities as a member of the Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education, and fight affordable college opportunities on the Appropriations-Higher Education Committee. Hernandez will also serve on the Revenue & Finance Committee, which handles issues critical to budget-making and financial management. 

Hernandez will demand inclusive policies and Immigration & Human Rights, Labor & Commerce, Revenue & Finance.

As a member of the Labor & Commerce Committee and Immigration & Human Rights Committee, Hernandez will be working to promote equitable workplaces and expanded opportunity for all, as well as develop policies aimed at continuing the current trend of economic growth in Illinois. Hernandez is also committed to maintaining a fair and equitable marketplace in Illinois.

“Now is the time to work ahead and craft bills that will lay the foundation for moving our district and the state forward,” Hernandez said. “In a time of unprecedented challenges, we must take advantage of every opportunity to build a stronger economy and a brighter future for all Illinois families.”