SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) announced today that he is sponsoring legislation to deter companies that do business with Illinois from participating in the construction of a wall along the nation’s southern border. He also released the following statement regarding President Trump’s speech before Congress about the wall:

"I emphatically reject President Trump’s plans to build a wall at the border with Mexico. This aberration will be built based on prejudices, hate and racism that go against our core values of what it means to be an American, and it will damage our relationship with Mexico – a good neighbor, partner and friend.

As a state lawmaker and Chairman of the Latino Caucus, I introduced a bill (SB 2091) that will label entities that do business with the state of Illinois and participate in the construction of the wall as a “restricted company.” This legislation sends a strong message that Illinois will not be part of this unreasonable and fiscally irresponsible project.
 
Illinois, like the rest of the nation, has been built by immigrants, so I will make sure our state continuous to be a friendly and welcoming place to people from other countries.”

Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero) after debate of SB231 in the Senate Chamber. SB231 is an education finance reform bill that will change the way that Illinois schools are funded. The new formula replaces the current method by taking into account characteristics of each school district, including low-income pupil count, number of English learners, and special education students.

Senator Sandoval, a proven advocate on school construction, who has worked with Senator Manar for three years on this issue,” said “this is an important step to make sure that low-income and minority students in my district get the education that they deserve." Chicago Public Schools as well as Lyons, Summit, Argo Community, Berwyn, Cicero and Burbank schools look to benefit from the new formula.

“For too many children in too many communities, their paths to excellence are blocked by the existing school finance system that shortchanges their schools and fails to provide needed resources. It’s an injustice we’ve tolerated too long. Our students, parents, teachers and taxpayers are tired of the bickering, tired of the impasse. They’re looking for leaders with the courage to step beyond the status quo and do what’s right.” Said Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill). Today the Illinois Senate moved SB231 to try and alleviate this problem.

"Too many districts are struggling under the current way we finance schools in Illinois. “On behalf of students in my communities and across Illinois Senator Manar’s leadership on this critical issue comes at a crucial time for working families.”

The bill passed the Illinois Senate and now heads to the Illinois House of Representatives.