SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Javier Cervantes, the United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago was awarded $144,000 for safe, reliable and accessible transportation options.

“We are investing in community infrastructure that will connect residents of our community to needed resources,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “The greater Chicago area can present barriers to transportation for residents with disabilities, and modern investments in accessible transportation can expand their ability to access services and travel throughout their communities.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Finding ways to further our commitment to providing child care for working families not only helps bring relief to residents, but also continues our focus on funding for our community’s needs.

“After hearing the governor’s address I am looking forward to how we can incorporate the needs of every community across Illinois into the budget. Through investments into violence prevention, health care, affordable housing initiatives and more, Illinois remains committed to supporting programs that benefit residents.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes announced five school districts in the 1^st District have received more than $18,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“Ensuring our libraries are equipped with books, programs, and resources necessary to students in the community provides the foundation for educational opportunities,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “I am excited to see the ways these funds will be used at our libraries and what new resources they will be able to obtain with this funding.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Cervantes’ district received a total of $18,548.48:

• Central Stickney School District 110
• Cicero School District 99
• Sterling Morton High School District 201
• Lyons School District 103
• Riverside School District 96

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Javier Cervantes prohibits people from using social media or video calling apps while driving in Illinois starting Jan. 1.

“I am proud of the collaborative work we have done to protect Illinois drivers and ensure safe practices while driving in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will take action against drivers who neglectfully put others’ lives at risk. I want to thank community advocates and the Secretary of State’s office for working with us to protect Illinois residents.”

House Bill 2431 prohibits the use of any electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the law prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.