SPRINGFIELD –Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) praised Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision Thursday to sign an executive order to ensure the state of Illinois provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

“I admire Gov. Pritzker’s commitment to create a welcoming environment in our state for those who come here seeking a better life just like my parents did when they landed in Back of the Yards,” Sandoval said. “At a time when immigrants’ rights are under siege in our country, we must ensure that Illinois continues to recognize the value of all people regardless of ethnicity or immigration status.”

The order directs the Department of Human Services (DHS) to expand access to welcoming centers for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers and ensure that all funds appropriated to these facilities are used for their intended purposes.

The order further requires DHS to coordinate with other agencies to create and distribute a “Know Your Rights” resource sheet in multiple languages informing these groups of their rights and opportunities.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) applauded Governor JB Pritzker’s decision Thursday to sign legislation that would place regulations on Illinois gun dealers to gather information on illegal gun sales and transfers.

The bill attempts to limit illegal gun sales requiring anyone licensed as a Federal Firearms Dealer to be certified by the Illinois State Police and requires the State Police to make key information related to firearms used in crimes available to the public.

“It is critical that we continue to ensure that law enforcement has the tools necessary to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and out of our streets. This legislation will also keep our schools on the Southwest Side and places of employment and worship safe,” Sandoval said. “I commend Governor Pritzker’s decision to sign this piece of legislation into law.”

The bill further requires annual training for employees of firearm dealerships, requires security cameras at guns stores and allows the State Police and local law enforcement to inspect licensed gun dealerships.

Senate Bill 337 passed both houses of the General Assembly with bipartisan support.

­SPRINGFIELD — Affordable health care, protecting immigrants’ rights, equitable K-12 funding, increasing public safety and creating more jobs will continue to be priorities for Illinois State Senator Martin A. Sandoval, who was sworn in for his sixth term on January 9.

“I look forward to another term serving the men and women of the 11^th Senate District,” Sandoval said. “With historic Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate, and a new receptive governor, we have a real opportunity to pass meaningful, progressive legislation that will move Illinois forward.”

As the son of immigrant parents from Guanajuato and Michoacán, Mexico and Senate Majority Whip, Sandoval will continue to fight for working class people on the Southwest Side of Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois.

“I echo the sentiment of Governor JB Pritzker that Illinois is full of light that comes from the people who endure and overcome struggle,” said Sandoval. “I look forward to working with him to bring light and economic justice to working class people.”

Sandoval was first elected to the Senate in 2002.

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.