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.

“Supporting people who are continuing their education is imperative,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By including masonry into one of the non-degree programs that can be accepted, we will ensure that education is more accessible and equitable.”

The 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 - To expand access to the Illinois’ Early Childhood Construction Grant program, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation through the Senate that would make community-based not-for-profits eligible for $40 million.

“As a father of two, I understand the importance of having access to quality early childhood education,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Our next generation is quickly growing up and it is important that we invest in resources to provide them with the quality education they need to succeed.”

The measure would allow the Capital Development Board to approve Early Childhood Construction Grants for nonprofit early childhood entities in the state – broadening eligibility to new providers, including nonprofits that rent or lease their space from another nonprofit entity.

SPRINGFIELD - To create continued opportunities in higher education for immigrants, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure out of the Senate Higher Education Committee to expand pathways for an individual to be eligible for in-state tuition.

“Expanding eligibility pathways for in-state tuition is vital to providing affordable and accessible higher education for all people within our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is important to continue diversifying avenues to access higher education to ensure a talented workforce in the state of Illinois.”

Under Villivalam’s measure, an individual could obtain in-state tuition by being an Illinois resident prior to enrolling in the respective university, be a high school graduate from a school within Illinois, or have attended a high school within Illinois for at least two years prior to enrollment.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide additional access to Illinois' Early Childhood Construction Grant program, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation out of the Senate Education Committee that would make community-based not-for-profits eligible for $40 million in grant funds.

“Early childhood organizations provide necessary assistance to families across Illinois who are struggling to access child care resources,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With this legislation, we are able to provide opportunities for nonprofit organizations in our community to be eligible for grants that would significantly assist them with providing better learning environments for our youth.”

This new legislation, Senate Bill 2675, would remove a provision specifying that grants made in fiscal year 2024 could be awarded only to public school districts.

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.”

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SPRINGFIELD – To help ensure that saving a life does not come at the cost of employment, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed a new law to give employees up to ten days of paid leave for serving as an organ donor.

"Our state is made up of amazing people who are incredibly giving and care deeply for their neighbors," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “When someone donates an organ to help a person in need, it is important they are able to take earned leave time off to recuperate."

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CHICAGO – To provide more safety and security for immigrant drivers, State Senator Ram Villivalam joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for a press conference highlighting legislation that would expand identification options for immigrants and make Illinois roads safer.

“Currently, many immigrant and refugee families are restricted access to certain services by Temporary Visitor Driver’s Licenses and face stigma for having only that as a form of identification,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With House Bill 3882, we are modernizing the law to provide eligible individuals the ability to obtain a standard driver’s license without discrimination and to eliminate any stigma. This legislation builds on our mission to continue to be the most welcoming state in the nation."

House Bill 3882 – which passed the Illinois General Assembly last month – would allow eligible noncitizen residents to receive a standard Illinois driver’s license with the wording “Federal Limits Apply” printed on top of the card, per the federal REAL ID Act.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more food options for all faiths in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed legislation that would provide kosher and halal food options in public schools and state facilities.

“We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs. With this legislation I hope to expand the available options for all residents in Illinois.”

House Bill 3643, would require all public schools, the University of Illinois Hospital and state correctional facilities to offer a kosher and halal food option upon request.