Three minutes til we start distributing
Back in October, I recognized Melissa Boratyn on the Senate floor to show my appreciation for her strength and contributions to breast cancer awareness through her film Ginger the movie.
Today, Governor JB Pritzker and I met with her and her husband Jimmy to express our gratitude in person. Thank you both for your advocacy.
It's not quite a cause for celebration, but November 20 is Latina Equal Pay Day, which marks the point in 2019 at which the average Latina's wages at last equal what a white, non-Hispanic man earned in 2018.
We still have have a very long way to go in terms of pay equity, and Latinas experience the widest gap.
Join me in bringing awareness to this vast inequality.
#LatinaEqualPay #Trabajadoras #DemandMore
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I shared the compelling strength of Melissa Boratyn who is 8 years into her battle with breast cancer. Instead of letting her cancer control her, she and her husband used it as an opportunity to educate and spread awareness through their movie "Ginger." #GingerTheMovie
Family Wellness and Back to School Fair
We had a fantastic time at our annual Family Wellness & Back to School Fair last week! Thank you to everyone who came out and to all of our sponsors and partners. Let's get ready for a great school year!
Workers Cooperative advancement bill
“Worker cooperatives are a proven model that provide living wage jobs, especially for workers in communities of color, who often work in the low-wage economy where wage theft and discrimination are extremely common.”
SB 1166 video
My legislation prohibiting the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation from denying professional licenses to qualified applicants based only on their immigration status is awaiting action in the House.
Census Press Conference
I am sponsoring legislation, Senate Bill 1408, that will request funding for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to fund community grants to ensure we get an accurate count in Illinois in the 2020 census.
Census 2020 video
The 2020 Census officially starts in just under a year. We must make sure every Illinoisan is counted
Home Birth Care Crisis
We have a home birth care crisis in our state. Women who give birth at home must have access to safe health care for themselves and their babies.
Budget address reaction
The governor's budget address today shows that he is ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle so that, even when we disagree, we can have discussions and make sure we pass a balanced budget by May 31.
Hispanic Heritage Month
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reflecting on the kindness and caring that Puerto Ricans constantly show to those around them, especially in times of need.
It’s always an honor to be introduced by Reverend Zook!!! Thank you Reverend!! #Concordiaribboncuttingceremony
Senator Martinez speaks at INCS rally
I was proud to join Illinois Network of Charter Schools yesterday to share my support for charter schools. We need equitable funding for everyone!
Fear has no place in our schools. I was proud to stand with my colleagues and students across the country on #NationalWalkoutDay #ENOUGH
Senator Martinez State of the State Reaction
The governor has failed our state for three years by refusing to work with legislators and he failed us again with his State of the State address yesterday.
Ana Belaval hosting tonight’s benefit for Puerto Rico
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We are celebrating the many amazing contributions Latinos have made to our country.
A budget for all of Illinois
On Tuesday, I urged the governor to put politics aside and sign the responsible, balanced budget that includes many things he asked for. Unfortunately, he vetoed the bipartisan budget. But the Senate overrode his veto and ensured that vital human services across the state remain funded.
Welcome to the youth from Bikes and Roses cycling team, who just completed a three-day, 210-mile ride from Chicago to Springfield to call on Governor Rauner to pass a budget investing in education, after school programs and youth jobs.
http://senatoririsymartinez.com/news/in-the-news
At today's press conference, where I spoke out against Secretary of Education Beth Purvis' refusal to stand up for the children in Chicago Public Schools.
Listen to Senator Martinez talk about the important services offered at today's Family Wellness and Back to School Fair.
From today's press conference, where I fought for adequately funding the Child Care Assistance Program.
These students from ASPIRA Haugan Middle School just took my breath away! Very talented.