“I am proud to have the support of these major labor organizations because, like me, they stand up and fight for working class families and individuals,” said Berrios. “There is a lot more to do, particularly as workers’ rights are being attacked. But together we will continue the battle and make advancements.”

Illinois AFL-CIO represents 1,500 local unions and nearly 1 million union women and men in the state. Over the last 15 years AFSCME Council 31 has grown to 75,000 members and expanded its presence in the political and legislative arena.

Berrios endorsements also include Equality Illinois, the state’s oldest and largest LGBT advocacy organization.

Currently serving her fifth term in the Illinois General Assembly, Berrios serves on six committees. She is the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance Committee, Mass Transit and International Trade and Commerce Committee as well as the Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Berrios is Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her Northwest Side Chicago district includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, Hermosa, Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

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Berrios was endorsed for reelection because she has been a long time advocate for LGBT issues and a voice against discrimination in Illinois.

“I have known Rep. Berrios for a number of years, and her unwavering support for LGBT issues has proven that she really believes in full LGBT equality,” said Randy Hannig, Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy. “Rep. Berrios was one of our earliest supporters in the fight for civil unions and against discrimination inIllinois. We fully endorse her and look forward to working with her in her next term as state representative.”

Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 to secure, protect and defend full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Equality Illinois,” said Berrios. “They have made great strides in the fight against discrimination, but there is much more to do and I will continue my efforts in supporting them.”

Currently serving her fifth term in the Illinois General Assembly, Berrios serves on six committees. She is the Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance Committee, Mass Transit and International Trade and Commerce Committee as well as the Tourism and Conventions Committee.

Berrios is also Co-Chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the first Puerto Rican woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her Northwest Side Chicago district includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, Hermosa, Irving Park, Portage Park and Logan Square neighborhoods.

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Chicago, IL – State Representative Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will host a Phone Bill Savings Clinic on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at Kosciuszko Park, located at 2732 N. Avers Ave., in Chicago.

“This phone bill clinic will give local residents an opportunity to speak with experts from the Citizens Utility Board on how to save money on their phone bills and learn about energy savings tips,” Berrios said. “At a time when everyone is trying to make ends meet, this event will help working families find new ways to save money.”

• What: Phone Bill Savings Clinic
• Who: State Representative Maria A. “Toni” Berrios and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
• When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Kosciuszko Park 2732 N. Avers Ave.

For more information, please contact Rep. Berrios’ constituent services office at (773) 736-3939, email at repberrios39@gmail.com or visit her office at 2847 N. Pulaski Ave. in Chicago.

CHICAGO, IL – State Rep. Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) will host her annual Holiday Food Drive in conjunction with Music Plant Group to assist local food pantries on Saturday, December 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at Angels & Kings located at 230 N. Michigan Ave., in Chicago. This event is open to the public and the price of admission is one bag of non-perishable items for the needy.

“As all food pantries in my district are reporting at least a 45% increase in people asking for assistance this holiday season, it is crucial that we as a community help ensure these social services continue to have the resources to help families in need,” Berrios said. “No family should be without food on the table, especially during the holiday season.”

The Holiday Food Drive benefits a shelter for battered women and children along with other local food pantries within the 39^th legislative district. In partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Berrios also keeps bins in her office to collect food for families year round.  Statistics from the USDA suggest nearly a half-million children in the state are in households facing food insecurity.

“The loss of jobs is one of the main factors why so many more families in Illinois need assistance and are struggling to make ends meet,” Berrios added. “I am committed to continue hosting food drives and other outreach activities with local organizations to help families in our community and I encourage those who can spare just a little extra to help by donating a bag of non-perishable food items for those most in need.”

For more information, please contact Berrios constituent service office at (773) 736-3939.

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CHICAGO, IL – State Rep. Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios (D-Chicago) will take students from North Center for Handicapped Children to the Brookfield Zoo for a private tour on Friday, October 7, 2011 to learn about the variety of animal species at the zoo.  This has become an annual trip that the students look forward to every year.

North Center for Handicapped School is located at 5104 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, Illinois.  North Center assists individuals in developing their full potential regardless of the type or degree of their disability, enabling children and adults who are disabled to maximize their physical, intellectual and social skills.

Rep. Berrios stated, “Everyday more and more children are being diagnosed with some type of developmental disability.  Teachers are seeing the influx in students that need special care and it is my job as a legislator to do all that I can to make sure that these students get the special attention they need.”

“This will be the third annual tour that I’ve been able to do with North Center, thanks to the help of the Chicago Zoological Society.”, stated Representative Berrios. “I love hosting this trip. I’m not sure who has more fun me or the students” said Rep. Berrios.  With all of the cuts being made to the Department of Human Services schools like these are just making it day by day so I do all I can legislatively and personally to help them and support the wonderful work they do.”

For more information, please contact Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 235-3939.

“My annual back to school health fair is intended to assist low income families with back to school expenses and provide some of the important medical services children need to begin their school year,” Berrios said. “In these hard times, families are struggling to make ends meet and it’s important that every child be adequately prepared for school.”

Rep. Berrios Back- to-School Health Fair will offer free medical services such as immunizations, lead screenings, blood pressure screenings, diabetes exams and asthma screenings. Parents will have an opportunity to learn and receive information about ALL KIDS, Kid Care, Family Care, obesity prevention, and dental care programs. Children will also receive a free backpack filled with school supplies and there will be fun raffles with back to school prizes and giveaways. It is important that parents bring their child’s medical health records in order to receive free vaccinations and immunizations.

“Medical exams can be costly for families, especially when they have more than one child,” Berrios added. “Parents will also have an opportunity to screenings and information on the state programs available and update their children’s immunizations if necessary.”

For more information, please contact Tannia L. Galindo at Rep. Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 235-3939 or visit her office located at 2058 N. Western Ave. in Chicago.

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“The purpose of this fair is to provide local residents, specifically women with the resources and health care support they need,” Berrios said. “Although our focus is on the physical health of women, the fair will also provide services for women’s mental and emotional health and well being.”

The Women’s Wellness and Resource Fair will provide information on a variety of social programs and services available to women. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive free blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings along with information on accessing state, county and city health programs. Residents will also have an opportunity to win gift certificates and gift cards to local stores and restaurants. The event is free and open to the public

“Women’s health issues don’t always receive the exposure and awareness they deserve. That is why I have made it my priority to provide services and awareness information to people in my district,” Berrios added.  “I feel it is my responsibility to try and help residents access health care services not only in Springfield through legislation but by bringing important services to my community.”

For more information, please contact Tannia Galindo at Berrios’ constituent service office at (773) 235-3939.

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CHICAGO- Representative Berrios joined with the Cook County Assessor’s Office and Northeastern Illinois University-El Centro to provide information to consumers on managing their personal finances as a part of Money Smart Week. Representative Berrios and the Cook County Assessor’s Office shared an information booth designed to provide resources for developing responsible personal finance management at Northeastern Illinois University-El Centro’s April 9th, 2011 Job Fair.

“Being knowledgeable on matters of personal financial management is a critical component in developing a stable financial future. It is my hope that my participation in Money Smart Week will provide my constituents a place where they can gain information about resources that will aid them in bettering their financial positions,” said Representative Berrios.

Money Smart Week (MSW) is the product of the Smart Money Advisory Council, a group of over 40 Chicago-area organizations combining efforts to advance personal financial literacy. During MSW a concerted effort is made by community organizations, institutions of education, government officials, and financial institutions to educate the public on responsible personal finance management.

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Representative Berrios and Rick Garcia

CHICAGO – On March 25th Representative Maria A. Berrios joined with Vida/SIDA to honor Rick Garcia for his work in the LGBTQ community. For over thirty years Mr. Garcia has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights and was a strong proponent of the newly passed civil-union legislation.

“During the years that I have known Rick Garcia I have been moved by his dedication to the LGBTQ community in the Chicagoland area and nationally. Mr. Garcia has fought to secure equal rights and fair treatment under the law for an important group of our community that went without a voice for far too long. Mr. Garcia’s work has been a critical and invaluable element which aided the passage of the long needed civil-union bill. I look forward to our continued partnership in addressing the many LGBTQ issues that still need legislative advocacy,” said Representative Berrios.

Vida/SIDA, an arm of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) focuses on providing HIV/AIDS education and services, community outreach, and LGBTQ initiatives. El Rescate, a LGBT youth targeted shelter is Vida/SIDA’s newest endeavor and the event honoring Mr. Garcia also served as a fundraiser for the shelter. In recognition of Mr. Garcia’s work in the LGBTQ community, Roberto Sanabria, a board member of the PRCC announced that one of the floors in the El Rescate shelter will be named after Mr. Garcia.

Representative Berrios said, “I am committed to the development and success of the El Rescate shelter program. Too many young people who identify as LGBTQ find themselves in mainstream homeless shelters where they are exposed to harassment and abuse. I believe that El Rescate will provide a stable and supportive environment aiding the resident’s growth.”

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