Villivalam passes plan to provide halal and kosher food options in public schools

CHICAGO – Three months after Governor JB Pritzker vetoed a bill that would provide halal and kosher food options to students upon request in Illinois public schools in addition to those options being available at state facilities and the University of Illinois Hospital, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a measure that was agreed upon by stakeholders and the governor.

“I am proud of our collaborative work to make the technical changes requested by the governor to ensure the successful implementation of this legislation,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal. Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs and feel included.”

Read more: Villivalam passes plan to provide halal and kosher food options in public schools

Toro introduces new legislation to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Natalie Toro is working on new legislation to ensure protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by expediting the process to receive protective orders against perpetrators and increasing workplace safeguards.

“For too long, people have fallen victim to violence or assault after concerns for their safety were not taken seriously,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “It is time we turn our commitment to believing survivors into policy and strengthen protections for survivors to prevent further harm.”

Protective orders are vital for the safety of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking by separating an alleged offender from the alleged victim. Nearly 56,000 protective orders were filed in Illinois during 2021 alone. However, these orders are only effective if they are served or if a short order notification is issued.

Read more: Toro introduces new legislation to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence

Feigenholtz, Villivalam receive awards for environmental leadership

CHICAGO – In recognition of environmental leadership, State Senators Sara Feigenholtz and Ram Villivalam recently received awards from the Illinois Environmental Council.

Feigenholtz received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Villivalam received the Milestone Achievement Award.

“Residents of the 6th District have and will always be passionate when it comes to protecting our air and water,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We will continue to incentivize clean and renewable energy, hold polluters accountable and pass laws for future generations.”

Feigenholtz and Villivalam have championed and supported cutting-edge environmental legislation during their time in the General Assembly.

Read more: Feigenholtz, Villivalam receive awards for environmental leadership

Martwick celebrates Eli’s Cheesecake’s $10 million groundbreaking expansion

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick joined community leaders on Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake’s expanded facility.

“Eli’s Cheesecake is one of the largest specialty cheesecake and dessert companies in the country,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Seeing this third-generation family-owned business expand their legacy speaks to the continued economic growth of our communities.”

The $10 million investment and expanded facility — which is the company’s first expansion in almost 30 years — will create at least 50 new local jobs. The expansion nearly doubles the size of the bakery, allowing for increased bakery operations, including additional production and packaging lines, warehousing and welfare areas. The facility also includes Eli’s Corporate Offices and the Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Café.

Read more: Martwick celebrates Eli’s Cheesecake’s $10 million groundbreaking expansion