­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) are partnering with other elected officials and immigrant and refugee support organizations to host a refugee town hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.

“With humanitarian crises rising across the globe, our community will welcome some 500 refugees to the Chicago area,” Villivalam said. “Join us for an open forum on how we can welcome our new neighbors and create a lasting support network.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed a resolution in the Illinois Senate that declares Nov. 4, 2021 as Diwali Day in Illinois.

“I am honored to celebrate Diwali as an official holiday this year,” Villivalam said. “Our communities that observe Diwali are grateful to live in a welcoming state that values the religious and cultural diversity of its residents.”

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs worldwide. It celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, symbolically represented by a festival of lights. Celebrants of Diwali traditionally light small oil lamps throughout their homes, craft flower garlands, share sweets and launch paper lanterns after dark.

Senate Resolution 593 passed without opposition in the Illinois Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate declaring October 2021 as Hindu Heritage Month in Illinois.

“Hindus have furthered our state’s cultural diversity and economic prosperity,” Villivalam said. “As the senator of one of the most diverse districts in the state and the first Hindu to serve in the Illinois state legislature, I am proud to be a chief co-sponsor of legislation to honor the contributions of Hindu communities across Illinois.”

­CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee will hold a joint hearing with the Senate Executive Sub-committee on Procurement to discuss Senate Bill 1900 on Monday, Sept. 27.

“As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am committed to exploring new ways to make our transportation network safe and accessible with the absolute stewardship of taxpayer dollars as a top priority,” Villivalam said. “We will have a robust, transparent discussion on encouraging private investment that may ease the financial burden on our state and invite our economic drivers to have a stake in the transportation network.”

­SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 18, the Energy Transition Act:

“The Energy Transition Act is the strongest clean jobs plan in the nation, and I am proud to have voted in support of this legislation.

“This comprehensive package expands our renewable energy portfolio to make Illinois a leader in the fight against climate change. It sets bold decarbonization goals that prioritize the health of all Illinois residents, including those most affected by environmental injustice, and creates grant programs so working people in the energy sector experience a just transition to a good-paying job in clean energy.

CHICAGO – To better serve undocumented and immigrant communities, legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that would allow municipal ID cards to be used to access state services and facilities was signed into law today.

“All residents of Illinois, regardless of immigration status, should be able to receive essential state services,” Villivalam said. “Today Illinois renews its commitment to undocumented and immigrant communities that we are the most welcoming state in the nation.”

CHICAGO – To create a comprehensive, inclusive health and safety curriculum for Illinois public schools, State Senator Ram Villivalam’s (D-Chicago) Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act was signed into law today.

“No student should feel stigmatized or excluded in the classroom,” Villivalam said. “This legislation establishes guidelines for an inclusive, culturally competent curriculum to keep students safe and healthy.”

The Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act establishes the requirements for public and charter schools that elect to teach comprehensive personal health and safety education in grades K-5, and comprehensive sexual health education in grades 6-12. A parent or guardian can opt their student out of instruction. Schools will retain local control through the selection of curriculum and instructional materials.

CHICAGO – So students of all faiths can practice freely, a bill sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Rep. Dan Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) that would provide students with five excused absences for religious holidays was signed into law today.

“Illinois is a diverse state with several religious communities,” Villivalam said. “Our school calendar will now reflect the diversity of our state and allow students of all faiths the flexibility to practice according to their religious calendar.”