SPRINGFIELD — To assist schools when scheduling major school or athletic events, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed a law that will provide schools with calendar dates indicating when a portion of students may be absent due to cultural or religious reasons.

“The 8^th District is a diverse community where portions of the student body may be absent due to cultural or religious holidays throughout the school year,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we continue to support our students and their ability to participate in events outside of the school calendar. This law ensures schools and athletic associations are provided with the information needed when scheduling events.”

The new law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to include on its website and distribute to all schools a list of days during the school year that a portion of the student body may be absent due to cultural or religious reasons. This law would not allow for closures or excused absences due to cultural reasons but would assist school districts with planning events.

SPRINGFIELD — As artificial intelligence continues to become more widely used, State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge with a new law ensuring those seeking mental health treatment are safeguarded from loopholes allowing AI in health care.

“It is imperative that we provide our communities with the critical mental health support they need and are seeking,” said Villivalam. “By setting guidelines for the use of AI in mental health treatment, we are investing into the well-being of communities, the quality of care they receive and the standards we hold our mental health care professionals to.”

SPRINGFIELD — Following eight subject matter hearings with over 35 hours of testimony, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation through the Senate aimed at addressing issues facing the current public transit system in Illinois.

“Over the last 19 months, I have collaborated and held discussions with stakeholders, advocates, transit workers and everyday riders about the state of transit, issues currently facing the system and what we can do to improve service for its riders,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It’s imperative that we deliver a public transit system that provides reliable service for its riders and is accountable to our taxpayers. Now is the time to break through the status quo and embrace solutions made for lasting change.”

SPRINGFIELD — 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.”

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.”

SPRINGFIELD — 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.

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.

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).