SPRINGFIELD - In an effort to recognize and support diverse businesses across Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a resolution to call for continuing minority and women owned diversity business enterprise programs.

“It is important that we continue fighting for more economic opportunities within our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Small and diverse businesses are the essential backbone of our neighborhoods, and provide vital opportunities for all.”

After the U.S. Supreme Court deemed affirmative action in college admissions unconstitutional, the court will potentially take up cases regarding diversity business enterprise programs and its constitutionality. This will potentially create challenges for DBE programs across the country – including in Illinois. Villivalam’s resolution recognizes the importance, need and utilization of M/W/DBE programs within the state, while urging Congress to take action to support these programs.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in expanding the list of documents an employee can request from an employer, and how they can do so.

“Making sure that workers have necessary protections is important to prevent possible retaliation,” said Villivalam. “That’s why expanding the options for what documents they can request, and how they can request them, is vital.”

This measure would expand the list of documents an employee can request such as documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge in expanding the list of documents an employee can request from an employer, and how they can do so.

“Making sure that workers have necessary protections is important to prevent possible retaliation,” said Villivalam. “That’s why expanding the options for what documents they can request, and how they can request them, is vital.”

This measure would expand the list of documents an employee can request such as documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a measure through the Senate to extend dependent accident and health insurance benefits to parents.

“When children are caring for parents or stepparents, it is not always seamless to provide quality and comprehensive coverage for their medical needs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By expanding options for health care coverage, we are making sure that people have access to coverage that they deserve.”

Villivalam’s measure would require group or individual policies of accident and health insurance that provide dependent coverage to make such coverage available to parents or stepparents of the insured individual.

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois residents could soon have a new license plate option thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam that will showcase the 100 Club of Illinois.

“Continuing to support organizations throughout our state that regularly give back to first responders and their families is vital,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Supporting them through offering license plate decals brings more awareness to the group and increases the availability of resources.”

The 100 Club of Illinois gives financial support to youth and spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty as well as mental health resources for active duty first responders. Through this measure, there will be a designation of registration and renewal fees that will be given back to the organization.

SPRINGFIELD- A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would make it easier for people who have completed masonry programs to receive community college credit.

“Many choose to pursue trade programs after high school, including masonry, carpentry, or plumbing,” said Villivalam. “Making sure that there are options for furthering education is vital for our workers and local economy.”

Villivalam’s measure would ensure that community colleges accept up to 30 credit hours transferred from a non-degree institution for finishing a masonry program. Currently there are 36 non-degree programs that can be approved, which include programs such as general carpentry, pharmacy technician and welding.

SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would expand eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“No person should have to worry about how they are going to afford their utility bills,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding LIHEAP provides us a unique opportunity to give some of our most vulnerable residents a sense of security.”

House Bill 4141 would allow people to apply for LIHEAP if they live in subsidized housing, if their rental expenses are no more than 30% of the household income, or if their energy bill is a portion of their rent.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam participated in a rally Thursday hosted by the Illinois Environment Council to continue advocating for a cleaner environment in Illinois.

“Illinois’ current transportation system has major implications for climate, health and equity. Roughly nine million Illinois residents live in areas that regularly experience air that the EPA has determined is unsafe to breathe,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “That’s 71% of the state’s entire population, and that dirty air disproportionately impacts disadvantaged, overburdened communities of color. Unfortunately, our transportation sector massively contributes to that pollution.”

Villivalam is leading the charge in clean transportation efforts throughout Illinois, serving as chief sponsor of the Clean and Equitable Transportation Act. Senate Bill 3936 would reduce greenhouse gas emissions to be 100% carbon free sector-wide, while targeting other transportation needs that will establish clean energy and jobs.