Cervantes pushes for enhanced funding for education

• Higher Education
• Hope Chicago
• Funding

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes spoke about funding to improve underrepresented communities’ postsecondary education options at a rally hosted by Hope Chicago in front of the capitol on Wednesday.

“People in underrepresented communities should have the same chance at future success as people from more privileged backgrounds. But that is not currently the case,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “However, giving more funding to organizations like Hope Chicago brings us closer to realizing that reality.”

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Cervantes speaks on utilities legislation protecting consumers

• Clean Energy Choice Coalition
• Utilities
• Consumer Protection
• Press Conference

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes was joined by the Clean Energy Choice Coalition and his colleagues for a press conference on a proposal that would make utilities more affordable, accessible and environmentally friendly.

“This is an issue from rural Illinois to Chicago,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Consumer protection is extremely important for us to get in front of. As the energy sources change, we need to make sure that we protect our consumers statewide.”

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New Cervantes legislation to expand role of physician assistants

• Health Care Access
• Physician Assistant
• PAs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes was joined by health care providers, students, patients and the Illinois Academy of Physician Associates for a press conference on a new law that would modernize PA practice laws, improving health care access across the state.

“Last year, I was proud to sponsor legislation to begin the journey to allow physician assistants to practice to their full potential,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This year’s Senate Bill 3421 is critical as we face an access to health care crisis in Illinois.”

With similar training as nurses and doctors, PAs can provide high-quality health care, but have run into difficulties getting their license approved due to a long, tedious paperwork approval process. Senate Bill 3421 would remove outdated practice barriers for PAs, allowing them to deliver care more effectively and efficiently. The legislation allows PAs to obtain a license to prescribe and administer certain controlled substances without a written agreement from a doctor, as nurses are currently able to do.

“This legislation is vital because our healthcare system continues to face increasing strain. Recognizing and empowering PAs in our communities will make a significant impact,” said Timothy Kinsey, a PA in emergency medicine and executive director of IAPA. “They are highly trained professionals who can serve as the first line of defense against serious health issues.”

This legislation is crucial as it aligns with the growing demand for health care services while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

“Many communities, including my own, are experiencing medical deserts, and PAs are a vital part of the solution,” said Cervantes. “The federal government has initiated a Rural Health Transformation initiative, and Illinois risks leaving tens of millions of dollars on the table if we do not modernize our PA practice laws. The time to act is now.”

Senate Bill 3421 awaits assignment to a legislative committee.

Cervantes condemns federal administration decision denying major disaster declaration for summer flooding

• Floods
• In District

BERWYN – The federal administration – through the Federal Emergency Management Agency — has officially denied the state’s appeal for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that impacted multiple counties from Aug. 16–19, 2025, including large portions of the district Cervantes represents.

“I am disappointed and angry at this administration’s decision to deny a disaster declaration for the hundreds of families who not only lost furniture and stoves, but memories and precious moments that money cannot buy back,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Last summer’s storms wreaked absolute havoc in my community. The damage they caused qualifies as a disaster, and this administration’s refusal to acknowledge that demonstrates how little they value my community.”

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