CHICAGO - Two weeks after the first subject matter hearing on the state of public transit, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing on the accessibility and equity of public transit.

“Public transit needs to be accessible and equitable for all within our community as it bolsters the ability for everyone to reach essential resources such as health care, education and jobs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “As transit riders express their concerns of continued delays and lack of service, it is imperative to have these conversations to see how we can ensure that public transit works for all.”

Transit agencies saw a sharp ridership decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are in the process of returning to pre-pandemic numbers. Riders are still experiencing ongoing delays, lack of service, or no routes, which continues to present a challenge for them daily.

CHICAGO - With public transit in the RTA region approaching a budget deficit in 2026, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing on Tuesday regarding the state of public transit and how it supports the local economy.

“Today, we were able to have crucial and robust conversations about the current state of public transit and its relation to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Many key stakeholders, from the agencies to business and labor groups, were able to share their insights as to how we can maintain and improve service, and what we can do to underpin a vibrant economy.”

As heard from constituents, public transit riders are currently facing issues including delayed service, no routes or limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach essential places or services such as health care appointments, jobs or education.

CHICAGO –  State Senator Ram Villivalam –  a longtime public transit advocate, and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee – will host a number of hearings throughout the coming months to discuss the state of public transit, ranging from how it positively impacts our economic and public health system to the service improvements that need to take place to better serve our communities.

“In order to provide a public transit system that works for our people, we have to collaboratively discuss how it can better serve our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These hearings will serve as a place for these conversations to occur, and ensure we are working toward the common goal of providing safe, reliable, accessible, economically impactful, and environmentally conscious transportation for all.”

MCCOOK – State Senator Ram Villivalam announced the launch of a historic multi-year infrastructure program aimed to build and repair infrastructure across all 102 counties in Illinois, continuing the transformative impact of the Rebuild Illinois initiative.

“It is imperative that we continue to invest in our transportation system – a vital resource for all communities across our state,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With these new investments, we are working to ensure that everyone has the ability to access health care services, economic opportunities, visit with loved ones and much more.”

The record $41.42 billion multi-year program is partly attributed to the early engineering and planning efforts of Rebuild Illinois and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which have spurred increased construction activity. The previous record was $40.99 billion in 2023.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam helped lead a measure that makes changes to the Prisoner Review Board to further their training and resources when reviewing parole release decisions.

“It is imperative that we prioritize the safety of our communities while also making sure that individuals who are set to be released have been fully rehabilitated,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By addressing necessary changes to the Prisoner Review Board, we are only ensuring that the system works for everyone as a whole.”

In response to a domestic violence incident that occurred after the Prisoner Review Board released a man on parole, the measure helps ensure the safety and attention to detail in regards to cases of domestic and gender-based violence.

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.