SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate began a new session today with the inauguration of the 101st General Assembly.

State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) is ready to continue working on measures that protect seniors, support education and expand healthcare access.

Aquino was recently chosen as Senate Co-Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus and is looking forward to taking on the new role.

“While Illinois and the nation saw a blue wave this past election, we can’t rest on our laurels moving forward,” Aquino said. “We need to continue pushing progressive ideals that will move our state forward in this new General Assembly with a new administration.”

Aquino was first elected to the Senate in 2016 and represents the 2nd District in Chicago’s Northwest Side.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) joined members of the Senate in overriding Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation that helps human trafficking and crime victims obtain visa certification paperwork from law enforcement within 90 business days. Aquino released the following statement after the vote:

“Victims of human trafficking and other severe crimes need our support as they help capture from those committing crimes against them and escape terrible situations. This legislation creates a process that ensures they have the documentation necessary to request a visa and encourages them to work with law enforcement. I encourage my colleagues in the House to approve this measure.”

SPRINGFIELD – Reacting to Trump’s announcement that he will try to end birthright citizenship through executive order, State Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“Trump continues his fearmongering against immigrants by completely undermining our constitution in his announcement that he will attempt to end birthright citizenship. Recent events have showed us how dangerous this type of rhetoric against any group of people has become. I denounce this attack on our constitution and continue to stand with our immigrant population.”

Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) and Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) hosted a town hall and workshop on Wednesday to review the process for applying for capital and agency funding and discuss the possibility of a future capital development bill in Illinois.

Over 30 local community agencies ranging from health, social service, the arts and afterschool programs gathered at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture for the event.

“We wanted to make sure we expanded what people knew about the capital bill, that it goes into infrastructure, it goes into brick and mortar stuff, and how we’re going to be creative in making sure that we’re getting equitable dollars in our districts,” Aquino said.

Speakers included Becky Locker, Director of Policy and Budget for the Illinois Senate Democrats, Jen Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council, Colleen Smith, Legislative Director for Illinois Environmental Council and Representative Luis Arroyo.