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.”

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