SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State Rep. Eva Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, issues the following statement regarding the Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address and focuses on child care and housing affordability for Illinoisans:

“Budgets are moral documents and reflect our values. That’s why I’m focused on putting state dollars to work funding the things that matter most: supporting health and child care services, lowering the costs of groceries and bills and ensuring that everyday necessities are affordable and accessible.

“Young families depend on affordable, quality childcare to keep their toddlers on track and to make ends meet, and they shouldn’t have to sacrifice paying rent or buying groceries for the week to pay for the federal government’s reckless and dangerous budget cuts. The Trump administration has attempted to freeze critical child care services and it is having real consequences on families and their futures.

“Hardworking families also deserve to have housing that is accessible and affordable in quiet residential areas. Rethinking our zoning framework to help balance the cost of living, density and small business growth must be a priority. Working families should be able to afford to own a home.

“We can’t control what the federal government chooses to take a wrecking ball to next, but we can still find new ways to protect vital programs from federal chaos and invest in our priorities. That’s going to be my focus in the upcoming months. I will be going through the budget line-by-line to ensure it is fiscally responsible and keeps our state moving forward.”

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CHICAGO – A major transit reform package backed by state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, a top negotiator for the House Public Transit Working Group, will make buses and trains in Northeast Illinois safer, more reliable and more efficiently managed.

“Transit has always been about more than fare cards, tracks and timetables; transit is about people and getting them where they need to go safely, reliably and efficiently,” Delgado said. “The reforms package signed into law earlier today meets the moment and lays the foundation for a system that better serves the hundreds of thousands of trips performed daily across multiple counties, transit agencies and communities. I am honored to have partnered with the House Public Transit Working Group to deliver a transformative package of reforms that not only rescues regional public transit, but allows us to do more than patch a broken system – create a better one.”

Across our state, public transit takes people to work, takes people home, and connects people, businesses, and communities more than 400 million times every year. But that system has faced major challenges; fragmented governance, uneven investment, and post-COVID ridership losses have left transit struggling with unreliable service, delayed trains, canceled routes and a looming fiscal cliff that’s threatening to derail it all.

Delgado worked to save and improve transit by passing Senate Bill 2111, a transformational package of reforms that brings Pace, CTA, and Metra together into one modern, efficient system. The new Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA) is a major step toward a transit system that gets people where they need to go affordably, protects taxpayers, and offers a better experience for riders and workers.

Delgado’s reforms mean:

• More efficient administration: NITA will operate with new internal and independent auditors to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in transit. It will be required to maintain a reserve fund to prevent future bailouts.
• Reliable, modern service: NITA will bring uniformity to fares and schedules to better meet the needs of riders—whether on buses or trains, whether in the city or the suburbs.
• A safer experience for riders and workers: A multijurisdictional law enforcement team will step up enforcement right away. NITA will deploy ambassadors across the system to assist people experiencing mental health crises, and a permanent office of safety will lead long-term planning to keep riders and workers safe.

Senate Bill 2111 was signed into law Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, backed a resolution Wednesday condemning the Trump Administration’s funding freeze of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) planned Red Line Extension, a critical South Side project that would create jobs, support riders and encourage economic growth.

“Freezing critical funding to the CTA is just the latest example of Donald Trump ignoring the Constitution to attack Chicago and hurt our people,” Delgado said. “Public transit is essential and Donald Trump is undermining our communities and our economy by playing politics with this project.”

Delgado supported House Resolution 506, which calls on President Trump to unfreeze $2.1 billion in funding to support construction of the Red Line Extension, a 5.5 mile ‘L’ expansion from the existing 95th/Dan Ryan terminus to 130th St. This funding was explicitly approved by the Biden Administration, and the CTA later secured a legal obligation from the federal government ensuring that the money would be released.

In addition to pausing support for the Red Line Extension, the Trump Administration has halted $28 billion in similar projects in Democratic-controlled cities and states across the country.

This loss of funding would end opportunities for affordable public transit for roughly 175,000 new daily riders in Chicago, many of whom are from underserved communities with limited transportation options. In addition to increased ridership, the Red Line Extension would generate substantial statewide economic benefits resulting from new good-paying jobs, increased consumer mobility and support for local businesses. Cutting this funding would deprive Illinoisans of those benefits while simultaneously fostering long-term investor uncertainty for federally-funded projects in Illinois and across the country.

CHICAGO, Ill. – As students and recent graduates continue to face rising costs, a measure to lower student loan interest rates sponsored by state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, was signed into law last Friday. The bill combines student loan interests into a lower, fixed rate by empowering the State Treasurer to refinance student loans.

“As the federal government makes it harder than ever for college students to become debt free, here in Illinois we are making every effort possible to lower student loan debt and set college graduates on a path to a freer financial future, Delgado said. “My measure to consolidate student loans of varying interest rates and levels into a fixed, lower rate will not only make it easier for our students to track how many loans they have, but also will lower their overall financial burden considerably. Today’s signing is just another step in our continued push to make Illinois a better place to go to college, start your career and create a better future for you and your family.”

Delgado passed House Bill 1430 which authorizes the State Treasurer to use the Student Investment Account to refinance student loans. When refinancing an individuals’ multiple student loans, an individual can consolidate their multiple loans into one loan with one lower interest rate, empowering borrowers to lower their debt and achieve financial independence quicker.

For more information on Delgado's legislative achievements, visit ILGA.gov.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, backed the latest state budget plan, focusing on increasing government efficiency and ensuring adequate resources for critical state services.

“When Washington is embroiled in chaos at every turn, with the livelihoods of our community on the line, Springfield needs to step in and make sure we make smart, compassionate and strategic decisions about the future of our state. Tasked with drafting this year’s budget, I made sure to keep our state on track and fight for the issues facing working families. Our latest fiscally responsible state budget reflects our priorities in Springfield and addresses many of the challenges Illinoisans have to overcome.”

“Reaffirming our support for the services working families and our most vulnerable depend on, this budget makes over $190 million in cuts to unnecessary operational and administrative costs in government agencies. These cuts eliminate wasteful spending and redirect funding to essential projects, such as ensuring that all Illinoisans have access to hospitals and a high-quality education system.”

Delgado also sponsored critical legislation to reform Illinois’ public transit and unify the CTA, Metra and Pace into one transit authority: the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (Senate Bill 2111). To address the growing student debt crisis, Delgado championed a bill that empowers borrowers to refinance their loans into one loan with one low interest rate (House Bill 1430).

“This year’s budget discussion touched on many issues within the state with an emphasis on how we can make the government more transparent with the people it serves. These discussions also focused on how we can reduce wasteful spending and unnecessary bureaucracy to create a better future for all Illinoisans.”

CHICAGO, Ill. – For too long, our region’s transit system has been governed by outdated structures that don’t reflect how people live, work, and travel today. Transit should be seamless, safe, and worthy of our world-class city and region. That’s why, after years of leading efforts for a better way forward—and more than a year of working with colleagues, advocates, and communities—I proudly supported the creation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority.

This reform bill is about transforming the rider experience and strengthening accountability to the public. With a unified agency comes one goal: delivering high-quality, reliable transit to everyone—whether you ride the bus in Woodstock, the train in Aurora, or the L across Chicago.

We’ve also heard the public loud and clear: any funding solution must come with real benefits. I will continue to focus on getting the investments we need in transit to protect service for all riders, including those who depend on paratransit. The crisis we face is serious and we need serious solutions.

There is still work ahead. But we now have the blueprint to build the 21st-century transit system our region needs—one that meets today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.

Together, we can create a connected, safe, and sustainable future for public transit in Illinois. And I remain committed to making that future a reality. I would like to highlight and thank Representatives Buckner, Evans and Moylan as well as Senator Villivalam for all their work and look forward to our continued joint efforts.

CHICAGO – State Reps. Eva-Dina Delgado and Edgar Gonzalez Jr., D-Chicago, participated in the Binational Dream Conference in Mexico City last week, and brought 20 DACA recipients with them, discussing the future of DACA and paths to citizenship in the United States.

“I am deeply honored to have participated in such a transformative event,” said Delgado. “This conference provided a platform for DACA recipients to share their stories, accomplishments, and the experiences that led them here. DACA recipients make invaluable contributions to our communities and our country, and I remain committed to amplifying their voices.”

The Binational Dream Conference amplifies the voices of DACA recipients, also known as DREAMers, while encouraging conversations about binational leadership and the future of U.S.-Mexico relations. Rep. Delgado had the privilege of not only attending this conference, she also had the opportunity to serve as a speaker on a panel for the event alongside state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez.

“Last week’s conference reminds us that there continues to be power in coming together around a shared mission and that the bonds between the United States and the Mexican people are unshakeable,” Gonzalez said. “DACA was a revolutionary program allowing hardworking individuals to come out from the shadows in the country they call home. Advance parole allowed these DREAMers to visit their country of origin and have proof of legal entry into the United States. Yet, this program and its effectiveness are under threat. There is no doubt that lasting binational solutions are necessary to overcome our shared immigration challenges, but that need cannot come at the expense of solutions that we already know work.”

By attending this educational conference, DREAMers are able to legally re-enter the United States through what is known as advanced parole. Advanced parole is just one step to facilitate a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers, and can be granted if an individual is leaving the United States for educational, humanitarian, or employment reasons. By re-entering the country legally, the path to citizenship for DREAMers becomes easier, allowing them to more efficiently become citizens of the country they have called home for years.

“At Binational Institute of Human Development (BIHD), we are leading the way in developing innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of Mexican National DACA recipients,” said Netza Roldan, CEO of BIHD. “The success of the Binational DREAM Conference and the proposal of the TN-D3 DACA Initiative to the Mexican Government marks a crucial first step toward making real progress for DACA holders. This initiative sets the foundation for lasting legal, professional, and economic empowerment for DREAMers. Illinois has a unique opportunity to spearhead a nationwide movement, inspiring organizations across the country to advocate for federal solutions that advance the rights and opportunities of immigrant communities.”

“I want to thank everyone who was involved in this conference, but especially the Mexican leaders we collaborated with throughout the conference,” said Delgado. “Without them, we would not have been able to discuss the future of DREAMers in the United States and the future of U.S.-Mexico relations.”

For more information on the Binational Institute of Human Development and their Binational Dream Conference, please reach out to info@binationalinstitute.com or call (312) 772-3410.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La Representante Estatal Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, empezó su nuevo mandato con una poderosa llamada de actuación para afrontar los problemas críticos que impactan los residentes de Illinois. Tomando juramento el miércoles, Delgado declaró su dedicación firmada al mejoramiento del transporte público, la reducción de los costos de la vida, y a la vivienda asequible.

“Tomando este juramento, yo reafirmo mi compromiso a las promesas que hacemos a nuestras comunidades: creando soluciones reales a los costos crecientes de la vida, combatiendo los delitos, y logrando un sistema de transporte público que de verdad funciona para cada persona en Illinois,” dijo Delgado.

El transporte público sigue siendo un pilar de la agenda legislativa de Delgado. Atrayendo el conocimiento obtenido durante su viaje reciente a Alemania, donde aprendió mucho de la infraestructura de transporte de primera clase, Delgado enfatiza que hay una necesidad urgente de reformas.

“Durante el año pasado, no solamente he escuchado a las familias y viajadores que dependen de nuestro sistema de transporte pero también a las soluciones innovadoras globales,” dijo Delgado. “El ejemplo de transporte incorporado y eficiente de Alemania nos ofrece lecciones invaluables. Es tiempo de que usemos estrategias motivadas por expertos para modernizar y unificar nuestro sistema fracturado, restaurando la confianza del público en los autobuses y trenes.”

También Delgado explica su visión para fomentar estrategias motivadas por la comunidad para la reducción de los delitos y la ayuda económica. “Nuestras soluciones tienen que basarse en las experiencias reales de los que enfrentan estos obstáculos diariamente. Juntos podemos crear comunidades más seguras, asequibles y conectadas para las generaciones que vienen,” dijo Delgado.

Mientras empieza la nueva sesión legislativa, Delgado llama a sus constituyentes que se unan con ella en configurar el futuro. “Es un honor servir a esta comunidad increíble. Sus voces motivan a mi lucha en Springfield. Juntos, podemos construir un Illinois más fuerte, y equitable.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, began her new term with a powerful call for action to address critical issues impacting Illinois residents. Taking the oath of office on Wednesday, Delgado pledged unwavering dedication to improving public transit, reducing cost of living, and ensuring affordable housing.

“In taking this oath, I reaffirm my commitment to the promises we made to our communities: creating tangible solutions for rising living costs, combating crime, and delivering a public transit system that truly works for every Illinoisan,” said Delgado.

Public transportation remains a cornerstone of Delgado’s legislative agenda. Drawing from insights gained during her recent visit to Germany, where she studied their world-class transit infrastructure, Delgado emphasized the urgent need for reform.

“Over the past year, I have not only listened to the families and commuters who depend on our transit system but also sought innovative solutions globally,” Delgado stated. “Germany’s integrated, efficient transit model offers invaluable lessons. It is time we apply expert-driven strategies to modernize and unify our own fragmented system, restoring public trust in buses and trains.”

Delgado also outlined her vision for fostering community-driven approaches to crime reduction and economic relief. “Our solutions must be rooted in the lived experiences of those who face these challenges daily. Together, we can create safer, more affordable, and connected communities for future generations,” she added.

As the new legislative session begins, Delgado calls on her constituents to join her in shaping the future. “It is an honor to serve this incredible community. Your voices fuel my fight in Springfield. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable Illinois.”

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, will join with state Reps. Matt Hanson, Eva-Dina Delgado, Anna Moeller and Kam Buckner to hold a listening session to hear from Illinoisans about their questions and concerns related to Illinois’ public transit system. The People’s Lobby, a group fighting to ensure working people have a voice in major decisions, will be in attendance as well. The event will be held Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Batavia Public Library, on 10 S. Batavia Ave, in Batavia.

“In light of recent service cuts and disruptions, building a faster and more reliable public transit system for Aurorans is a priority for me,” Hernandez said. “Along with several colleagues also fighting for better buses and trains for Illinoisans, I’ll be holding a listening session to hear input from residents about what steps need to be taken to create the public transit system our communities deserve.”

This is an opportunity to tell lawmakers exactly what you need from your public transportation system. Email miguel@thepeopleslobbyusa.org or call 219-276-9917 for more information. Register at bit.ly/kanetransit.

What: Public Transit Listening Session

Who: State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, State Rep. Matt Hanson, State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, State Rep. Anna Moeller, State Rep. Kam Buckner, The People’s Lobby

Where: Batavia Public Library
10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia

When: Thursday, Dec. 12
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.