SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes passed a bill in the Senate to expand real estate licensing in Illinois to brokers licensed in another state.

“To modernize our real estate practices in Illinois, this legislation would promote greater diversity in the market for many residents to utilize,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Allowing more brokers and managers from other states to operate in Illinois would benefit our residents and the businesses wanting to operate in our state.”

Senate Bill 3740 would require brokers and managing brokers licensed in another state who are applying for licensure in Illinois to follow specific guidelines to obtain licensure.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase counseling resources for families, State Senator Javier Cervantes passed a measure through the Senate that would allow out-of-state marriage and family therapists to obtain licensure in Illinois more easily.

“I am constantly hearing from constituents about the need for therapeutic resources to be more widely available,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This legislation would expand therapy options around the state and allow out-of-state counselors to bring their business and care to our residents without as much of a hassle.”

Senate Bill 3211 would allow the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue a license to a marriage and family therapist applicant has been licensed independently in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least 30 months during the last five years preceding the application. Applicants who meet this requirement would not have to submit proof of completion of education, professional experience, and supervision. An applicant would be required to submit certified verification of licensure from their previous jurisdiction.  

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes joined members of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Raise The Floor Alliance in support of a new initiative to expand protections against worker retaliation based on an employee’s immigration status.

“Our families and loved ones shouldn’t have to work in fear,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Without protections, bosses can weaponize fear of termination or deportation to get workers to take on additional hours or work in unsafe conditions. Illinois needs to take a stance against bad employers so immigrant workers can have a safe, productive work environment, because that is a basic right.”

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights was formed in 1986 in response to the Immigration Reform and Control Act to be at the forefront of helping immigrants realize and contribute to America. Since then, ICIRR has played a pivotal role in establishing the nation’s first permanent line item in a state budget dedicated to immigrant services. ICIRR helps immigrant and refugee families with health care access, health and safety net services, education, legal support, social services and more.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes joined students and staff from Hope Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to advocate for better access to higher education, workforce development programs, and upward economic mobility for residents.

“I am honored to be here in Springfield, serving as a representative for an incredible organization, Hope Chicago," remarked Cervantes (D-Chicago). "Hope Chicago is dedicated to empowering students and families across the city, equipping them with the resources needed to pursue their educational aspirations. Today, they're here to rally up some substantial support for this cause."

Hope Chicago’s mission is to create pathways to success for multiple generations of families in Illinois through equitable access to higher education. By removing the barriers low-income, first-generation college students face, Hope Chicago is shrinking the racial wealth gap, uplifting families, and entire communities. Serving the city ‘s South, Southwest, and West Side communities, Hope Chicago is one of a few programs that provides support to undocumented students and families in Chicago.

“It is a good day for higher education access in Illinois. Our Hope Chicago family is proud to be here with more than 200 Hope Scholars, Hope Parent Scholars, Future Hope Scholars, and partners who are sharing their stories of how a debt-free college degree is reshaping their future,” said Dr. Janice K. Jackson, CEO of Hope Chicago. “We’re incredibly grateful to our legislative champions, including Senator Cervantes, who see the potential of our young Latinx and Black students. Private dollars. Public dollars. Leaders from every space must have some skin in the game if we are serious about equitable higher education funding.”