SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam passed historic legislation through the Senate providing necessary reforms and transformational investments to address the public transit fiscal cliff in Illinois.

“Our public transit systems are the backbone of our communities – connecting residents to their jobs, schools, doctors and more,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Now is the time to embrace viable, long-term solutions that provide a world-class public transit system to Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2111 would create the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, known as NITA – shifting authority from the Regional Transit Authority to the new entity that will oversee CTA, Metra and Pace.  The NITA board would be comprised of 20 members, with five appointments each from the governor, mayor of Chicago and Cook County Board president, as well as one from each chair or county executive of the collar county boards of DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Lake and Will.

A group of Senate transit leaders release statement highlighting legislation to fix and fund public transit in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD ─ As public transportation systems across Illinois approach a fiscal cliff in 2026, threats of cuts to service and layoffs of transit workers continue to loom as they await funding and reforms from the Illinois General Assembly. 

State Senators Mattie Hunter, Omar Aquino, Robert Peters, Celina Villanueva, Adriane Johnson and Graciela Guzmán have been at the forefront leading legislation to tackle the fiscal cliff and longstanding transit issues through legislation.

The aforementioned members released the following statement to address the need to fix and fund public transit:

CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam is hosting a State of Transit town hall on Sept. 20 alongside local elected officials to share updates about the state of transit in Illinois.

“Public transit is an essential part of our communities – getting residents to where they need to go. Without this critical service, many of our neighbors will not be able to get to school, go to their job or even receive the health care they need,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we continue to talk with residents and provide updates on what we have done to create a world-class public transit system for Illinoisans.”

The transit town hall will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at noon at Harry S. Truman College – McKeon Lobby, located at 1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago. Villivalam is hosting the event alongside State Senators Sara Feigenholtz, Graciela Guzmán and Mike Simmons, and Alders Angela Clay, Maria Hadden, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Matt Martin and Andre Vasquez, where they will provide updates about transit, answer residents’ questions and hear about how transit is essential in their communities.

CHICAGO — State Senator Ram Villivalam is celebrating the grand opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s satellite location in Chicago following the announcement of its opening Monday.

“The Illinois Holocaust Museum provides critical education and resources to our neighbors – highlighting our human history and serving as reminder to fight against antisemitism,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am elated to see the museum’s impact will go beyond Skokie as they continue site improvements to their main location.”

An advocate for Holocaust education, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and anti-hate measures, Villivalam serves as a voice for the community. In recent years, Villivalam has spearheaded legislation increasing funds for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and expanded school lunch options for students needing Kosher or Halal meals.

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.”