On Tuesday, State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, helped pass House Bill 4165, a measure that will continue funding immigrant services, welcome centers, and indigent burial benefits, among many other vital programs.

“The Governor’s proposed budget would eliminate many programs critical to local Latino families. In the bill we recently passed, we have restored funding for important and essential programs because we have heard the concerns and pleas from our communities,” Hernandez said. “By passing this bill we are taking another step towards protecting those most vulnerable in our state from suffering due to budget cuts proposed by the Governor.”

Despite cuts to personal services line items and operational expenses, Hernandez worked with state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, sponsor of House Bill 4165, to preserve funding for immigrant welcome centers, child care assistance, integration programs, indigenous burial ceremonies, teen parent services, community services, addiction treatment, and many other services important to local immigrant families. The bill has passed out of the House and awaits action in the Senate.

“As a member of the Appropriations – Human Services Committee and co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus I cannot stress enough how important these services are to our families and the communities we live in,” Hernandez said. “We will continue to work for a budget that best represents our state and that provides funding for all programs which are indispensable.”

For questions or comments on Hernandez’s legislative proposals, please call her constituent services office at (708) 222-5240 or send an e-mail to rephernandezstaff@yahoo.com.