Work to protect marginalized employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 will continue 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes and State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado announced that they would continue their work to protect marginalized employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 that Cervantes sponsored in the Senate and Delgado led through the House.

SB1515 is aimed at protecting our immigration community, yet it fell short from its intention. Instead of moving forward with legislation that may not make Illinois a national example in protecting our immigrant community, Senator Cervantes, Representative Delgado, the Governor and advocates unanimously decided the best approach is to introduce a new bill that will make us leaders in the nation.

“We brought this legislation forward to protect employees and ensure Illinois is following through to protect workers’ rights,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve our goal with this legislation but the job does not stop there. I want to assure residents that I am committed to getting this measure right to protect our community.”

Delgado added, “Senator Cervantes and I are committed to continuing our work to protect all workers and determine a secure path for advancing workers’ rights in the workplace. No one should find themselves subject to, or in fear of name or social security number discrepancy notifications and we remain focused on working together with the Governor's office, labor leaders and advocates to bring forth a permanent solution for consideration during session in the fall.”

Senate Bill 1515 was vetoed by the governor on Friday. Cervantes and Delgado pledge to continue conversations and work with the administration and advocates to bring forth a solution for potential review in the fall veto session.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes’ measure to prohibit all drivers from using an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois, including any video conferencing or social media applications, was signed into law Friday.

”This law will ensure Illinoisans are driving safely and not endangering anyone else on the roadways,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law takes action against drivers video calling and not paying attention to the road. I am proud to play a part in making Illinois a safer place for everyone.”

Cervantes’ law makes it illegal to use any electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle, including using 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 or Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Cervantes has been selected to be a part of the 2023 Edgar Fellows program out of a pool of more than 200 nominees from all levels of government, nonprofit organizations and the business world.

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected to participate in this year’s Edgar Fellows program,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “I am looking forward to connecting with many other leaders, developing and sharing our expertise and bringing new perspectives back to the 1^st District.”

The 2023 fellows will gather for the first time Aug. 6 for an Executive Leadership Training Program featuring more than two dozen policy experts and experienced practitioners. They will also have the opportunity to learn from each other through discussions on issues such as workforce development, climate change, public safety, disaster planning and intergovernmental cooperation.

The Edgar Fellows Program is an initiative designed by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs to inspire respectful and collaborative leadership to address the state's major challenges. Senator Cervantes is one of 40 participants selected for the program this year.

More information about the Edgar Fellows program is available here.

CHICAGO – Continuing Illinois’ smart investments in infrastructure, State Senator Javier Cervantes is excited to announce that over $228 million is coming to the 1^st District to renovate bridges and roads thanks to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan.

“Every Chicagoan knows how important a good transportation network is for the functionality of our city,” Cervantes (D-Chicago) said. “That’s why Illinois is continuing to make smart investments into infrastructure as we address our aging roadways and ensure a safe and accessible way for residents to commute.”

The latest IDOT Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois is bringing $228.5 million to the district Cervantes represents, covering 13 different projects this year and 44 total projects over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming this year include:

• Cicero Avenue bridge replacement over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
• Curb and gutter repair along Dubois Boulevard from Burlington Avenue to Ogden Avenue
• Stevenson Expressway bridge reconstruction at Harlem Avenue