Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD ─ A new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam’s will allow rideshare drivers, such as those who drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, to unionize.

“Rideshare drivers are the back-bones of our communities, getting our neighbors to their job, school or doctors’ appointments,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “So many of our residents rely on rideshare drivers – meanwhile those driving are facing decreased wages, increased vehicle costs and unfair working conditions.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that regulates auto insurance premiums in Illinois.

“Auto insurance are one of the most costly bills a consumer can pay – but people who rely on their car to get them to work, school and appointments can’t simply go without coverage,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It’s time we hold auto insurers accountable and implement policies that prevent unpredictable premium increases on working-class families.”

According to Insurify, the average Illinois driver saw an 18% increase in premiums costs for full-coverage auto insurance between 2023 and 2024, while the national average is estimated to be 11.3% ─ almost 7% lower.
To ensure a fair and affordable auto insurance marketplace for Illinoisans, the law provides transparency and accountability as it relates to premium increases through a clear framework, oversight from the Illinois Department of Insurance and expanded options for residents over age 55 to reduce insurance premium costs.

Specifically, the law prohibits companies from increasing premiums by more than 10% without first notifying the consumer 30 days prior to renewal. It also prohibits auto insurance premiums from being excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory and creates a determination hearing process through the Department of Insurance if it finds rates are excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory.

Additionally, the law secures a path to relief for residents over age 55 by allowing the Illinois Secretary of State to find a course that meets or exceeds the standards of the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course's four-hour classroom safety instruction program so residents see reduced premium costs upon completion of the course.

“For years, Illinois drivers have been forced to accept steep insurance rate increases with virtually no oversight and no recourse,” Giannoulias said. “Today, that changes – and it’s because thousands of Illinoisans spoke out, shared their stories and demanded a fairer system. This law puts consumers first by giving Illinois the authority to challenge excessive rate hikes – increasing transparency in the insurance marketplace and ensuring drivers are no longer left paying the price.”

“By regulating auto insurance rate increases, we are ensuring affordable, accessible transportation options for our neighbors while we combat the increasing cost of living,” said Villivalam.

Senate Bill 714 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect July 1, 2027.

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam led a new law that will ensure mental health support for educational staff – tackling the ongoing mental health crisis.

“Everyone deserves access to mental health care – including educational staff,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Education staff need additional support and access to resources to receive the care they deserve. It’s time we step up and break down barriers to access to quality, compassionate mental health care.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam led a new law streamlining implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

“The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition process,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam joined hundreds of environmental advocates Saturday for a rally urging for data center regulations that protect Illinois communities.

“Families are worried about rising costs, communities want transparency and accountability and people want to know their drinking water is safe,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We need real and meaningful action – that’s what the POWER Act is all about.”

Villivalam is sponsoring Senate Bill 4016, known as the POWER Act, which is a comprehensive measure that would provide common-sense guardrails on data centers to protect natural resources, the environment and communities across Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure through the Senate to streamline implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

“The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but our work shouldn’t stop there,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With June 1 quickly approaching, it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition to NITA.”

House Bill 2335 would solidify and streamline the comprehensive reforms under the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act. Signed into law in December, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act addresses the fiscal cliff that was expected to cause mass layoffs and reduced transit service in 2026 and 2027 with necessary reforms and a transformational $1.5 billion investment.

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would pave the way for increased data, transparency and accountability on toxic polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” – in wastewater.

“Toxic chemicals are being run off into wastewater facilities – leaving communities at risk for adverse health effects,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Without the proper tools and framework, wastewater treatment facilities have no way of understanding, regulating and eliminating these chemicals in their facilities.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam is spearheading a measure through the Senate aimed at ensuring accessible, affordable housing in Illinois.

“Since 2024, cost of living has continued to rise, and now the Trump administration is continuing to make it harder for working families to access quality, affordable housing in their own neighborhoods,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With residents potentially facing additional federal requirements to secure adequate housing, we must act now to ensure all Illinoisans have housing options within reach.”