CHICAGO – To clear up confusion around when young people who are incarcerated can petition for youthful parole, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is sponsoring legislation that would clarify the timeline available for people who were committed an offense under the age of 21. 

“I am grateful that the law in Illinois extends grace to young people who have committed criminal offenses and gives them the chance to reform their lives,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This legislation will add onto that, and give them an opportunity to apply for parole earlier, helping them reintegrate to their community and create a more positive future.”

Currently, young people who were under 21 at the time of committing a criminal offense can file a petition for a parole hearing up to three years before they are eligible for parole. If appropriately filed, the Prisoner Review Board sets a parole hearing date three years from the date it received the petition. However, sometimes a person is already eligible for a youthful parole hearing when they file a petition because they have already served the required number of years. This has caused some confusion when they file a petition over if the parole hearing can take place within a year, or if they have to wait three years for a hearing.

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary’s visit to Springfield:

“In Illinois, we understand that all folks have value and worth, and are afforded basic human rights. It is deplorable that the current administration and Department of Homeland Security are acting against our country’s basic values.

“My mother, and so many other immigrants, made countless sacrifices, took on low-paying jobs, and did everything in their power just to give their family a better life. Instead of highlighting their tenacity and unbreakable work ethic, the secretary often describes immigrants as violent and criminal. Mischaracterizing immigrants this way is very dangerous, and deeply dehumanizing.

“In our state and in our capitol, where we are actively working on legislation to further protect the rights of immigrants, we do not stand for these lies and the weaponization of rhetoric to further divide our country. I will proudly join with my community to celebrate Latino Unity Day, and stand in opposition to her visit and actions against Illinoisans and immigrants throughout the country.”

SPRINGFIELD-- Two initiatives led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes would ensure high school students have access to more supports when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA.

“Applying for financial aid through FAFSA can be a difficult and confusing process for students,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This initiative will give students more resources to help them in this process, ensuring they are able to submit their FAFSA and potentially receive financial support so they can pursue higher education.”

After many students struggled to complete FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, Cervantes and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission developed legislation to offer assistance for students wishing to fill out the FAFSA. First, House Bill 3096 would require high schools to designate a member of their staff to serve as a point of contact for students on matters concerning the application. This would create clarity on who young people can turn to if they have questions or need assistance with the process.  

Additionally, House Bill 3097 would require that schools provide time during the school day for students to fill out or ask questions about their financial aid applications. Each school may determine how they will provide this time, whether it is included in personal finance classes, offered in one-on-one sessions, or focused workshops, but any method would give students more time to work on these important applications and help set them up for future success.

BERWYN – State Senator Javier Cervantes secured nearly $22,000 for seven local public school libraries.

“Young people need access to a wide variety of reading materials and technology to fuel their curiosity,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Investing in our libraries will ensure young learners have access to the materials they need to succeed, and develop a lifelong love of reading."

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.