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Villivalam measure to protect firefighters from forever chemicals passes Senate

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Friday, May 23, 2025 11:16 AM
  • HB2409
  • Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
  • Firefighter Equipment

043025CM1051resizeRVSPRINGFIELD — With the support of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure to phase out the use of clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS.

“Firefighters play an essential role in protecting and supporting our neighbors through accidents, illness and more,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By allowing harmful chemicals to be used in their clothing and equipment, we are putting their health at risk.”

Read more: Villivalam measure to protect firefighters from forever chemicals passes Senate

Villivalam measure to increase access to the Early Intervention program

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Friday, May 23, 2025 08:39 AM
  • Villivalam
  • IDHS
  • Early Intervention
  • HB3327

Senator Ram Villivalam

SPRINGFIELD ─ To provide families and legal guardians with information about services their child might need, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced legislation aimed at increasing opportunities to inform parents about the Early Intervention program.

“Early intervention is life-changing for many families, as these programs provide critical services and therapies as children develop,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But, these services can only benefit those they are able to reach, which means uplifting the program and expanding its outreach to those who need it is imperative.”

Read more: Villivalam measure to increase access to the Early Intervention program

Villivalam joins climate advocates to discuss tackling issues facing public transit

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Thursday, May 22, 2025 09:28 AM
  • Villivalam
  • Environment
  • Public Transit
  • Climate advocates

Villivalam IECSPRINGFIELD — Joining climate advocates at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, State Senator Ram Villivalam spoke at a rally about how public transit positively impacts our environment and what can be done to address issues currently facing the state’s transit system.

“We have spent the last two years on this journey; we asked the Chicago Metropolitan Council on Planning to put together a report and convene stakeholders, had bills introduced and held over eight subject matter hearings across the region to hear over 35 hours of testimony,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We've heard repeatedly that public transit is good for our economy, it must be equitable and accessible, is necessary for equality, community quality of life, and how it is good for our environment.”

For the last 19 months, Villivalam has been working alongside stakeholders, advocates, including the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, and everyday riders to address issues facing the public transit system in the Regional Transportation Authority region amid the $771 million fiscal cliff.

Read more: Villivalam joins climate advocates to discuss tackling issues facing public transit

Villivalam advocates for the support of Illinois auto dealers

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 05:04 PM
  • Villivalam
  • SB 1939
  • Auto Dealers
  • Electric Vehicles

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam hosted a press conference Tuesday morning, highlighting Senate Bill 1939 and how it supports the state’s economy, auto dealers, workforce and the future of electric vehicles.

“This legislation protects Illinois jobs, as we have over 700 dealers serving communities across the state that have created, maintained and supported over 90,000 jobs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Recently, out-of-state corporations have repeatedly bypassed the state’s current franchise system by selling directly to consumers through new subsidiary companies. Currently, some corporations such as Rivian and Lucid have received previous approval to participate in direct-to-consumer sales.

Read more: Villivalam advocates for the support of Illinois auto dealers

Villivalam joins Secretary of State to advocate for raising the age for in-person driver’s license renewals

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Tuesday, May 06, 2025 05:54 PM
  • Driver's Licenses
  • HB1226
  • Drivers Test

Sen. Villivalam SPRINGFIELD — Following the advancement of House Bill 1226 through the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Representative Jay Hoffman and AARP Senior Manager of Advocacy and Outreach Ryan Gruenenfelder to raise awareness about the measure that would reduce barriers for seniors renewing their driver’s licenses.

“I am so proud that we have moved to the step of the process with this legislation as Illinois is the only state that bases behind-the-wheel driving tests on age,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Read more: Villivalam joins Secretary of State to advocate for raising the age for in-person driver’s license...

Villivalam measure to phase out forever chemicals in protective clothing and equipment

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Tuesday, May 06, 2025 05:41 PM
  • Villivalam
  • PFAS
  • HB 2409
  • Firefighter clothing and equipment

050625CM0346resizeSPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam is sponsoring a measure, in collaboration with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, that would further protect firefighters by phasing out the use of clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS.

“Firefighters risk their lives each day responding to fires, car accidents and more,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Continuing to allow for harmful chemicals to be used in their protective clothing and equipment puts their long-term health at risk.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in both protective clothing and equipment for its ability to repel water, oil and dirt and provide thermal stability and durability. Recent studies show that the use of PFAS in clothing and equipment has adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer.

Read more: Villivalam measure to phase out forever chemicals in protective clothing and equipment

Villivalam joins transit workers to outline support for system reforms

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Tuesday, April 08, 2025 04:54 PM
  • Public Transit
  • SB1938
  • Regional Transportation Authority

Senator VillivalamSPRINGFIELD- Joining transit workers, union members and fellow legislators at a press conference Tuesday morning, State Senator Ram Villivalam spoke about Senate Bill 1938 ─ a measure to address issues facing the public transit system amid the quickly approaching $771 million fiscal cliff.

“The Regional Transportation Authority is approaching a $771 million fiscal cliff in 2026, and everyday riders continue to face challenges such as ghost buses, lack of service and safety concerns,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “To address the issues that current riders face, I introduced Senate Bill 1938 in collaboration with transit workers and union members.”

Read more: Villivalam joins transit workers to outline support for system reforms

Villivalam continues commitment of supporting nursing home residents

Details
Category: Senator Ram Villivalam News
Tuesday, April 08, 2025 04:17 PM
  • Medicaid
  • Nursing Homes
  • SB1606

Senator VillivalamSPRINGFIELDState Senator Ram Villivalam joined nurses, nursing home administrators and a bipartisan group of legislators in calling for an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes, continuing his commitment to supporting seniors as the 8th District has the highest concentration of nursing homes in the state.

“Day in and day out, these homes care for our loved ones with compassion and respect, but they need our help. It's no secret that the cost of everything has gone up,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “From nutritious meals to keeping the lights on, running these facilities is more expensive than ever. Funding that might have gotten the job done in 2017 will not cut it in 2025.”

Read more: Villivalam continues commitment of supporting nursing home residents

More Articles …

  1. Villivalam spearheads measure to provide schools with cultural or religious calendar dates
  2. Villivalam, Olickal law brings halal and kosher food options to schools
  3. Villivalam holds subject matter hearing to address public transit challenges
  4. Villivalam measure to provide schools with cultural and religious calendar dates
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