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

CHICAGO – In response to severe weather in Illinois during the last few weeks, State Senator Javier Cervantes announced that the governor signed a new disaster proclamation that will speed up resources and support to the communities impacted by flooding and storm damage.

“Residents across the state and in my district have been heavily impacted by the storm damage over the last few weeks,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We need to get resources on the ground for Illinois residents and ensure that we are providing as much relief as we can to deal with these extraneous circumstances.”

On July 2, severe storms impacted the state, with Chicago and Cook County bearing the brunt of some of the heaviest rainfall on record. Up to nine inches of rain fell in some parts of the area, causing significant flooding on area roadways and in thousands of basements across the city and suburbs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

”This law assists veterans and immigrants who are going to continue their real estate career in Illinois and have run into barriers in their continuing education requirements,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will help individuals reinstate their real estate license and continue their practice in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1866 removes barriers faced by veterans and immigrants who are trying to obtain licensing for real estate. Under the new law, veterans will have all continuing education requirements waived upon seeking reactivation of their real estate license within two years after their time in service. Those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) can apply for a license in real estate or as community association managers, auctioneers, or home inspectors.

The law also allows those who are seeking auctioneer licenses and have attended auction school courses to be approved for licensure by the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board.

“There are barriers in place that make this process difficult for many communities, and with this law we ensure that military and immigration status do not play a part in obtaining a license,” Cervantes said. “I am happy to see great legislation signed into law to provide community members across Illinois with the chance to continue their career in real estate.”

Senate Bill 1866 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

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SPRINGFIELD – After the Fiscal Year 2024 was approved by the Senate on Thursday, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes released the following statement:

“I am excited to see a budget that continues to invest in the 1^st District through social services, educational programs, child care initiatives, and our community organizations that serve so many across Illinois and in our district.

“Illinois is investing in communities from Brighton Park to Berwyn and Cicero. We are investing in capital projects, violence prevention, youth development and more. This is one of the biggest investments Illinois has made in higher education, and I am happy to see funding to support IGROW and education initiatives I have fought for this year.

“I am proud to support a budget that continues to invest in home services programs across the state as we continue to address growing caseloads our health care workers have faced.

“Not only are we investing in education, health care, and child care, but we are also ensuring our veterans are getting the attention and funding they need. Our veterans deserve the support of Illinois and we will continue investments into mental health care, suicide prevention, and housing assistance for our veterans.

“I am proud to support this budget and will continue to fight for the members of the 1^st District and residents across Illinois.”

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