­CHICAGO – To make essential health services accessible to immigrant and refugee communities, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported a measure to expand Medicaid-like benefits to non-citizens down to age 42 that was signed into law on Friday.

“As we were reminded over the course of the pandemic, our collective public health requires that all our neighbors be covered, regardless of immigrant status,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding health care coverage to as many people as possible will keep all our communities safe and healthy as we continue to recover.”

­SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to conduct a review of revenue sources, equity and safety measures, and how to further improve our transportation system, spearheaded by Senate Transportation Committee chair Ram Villivalam, was signed into law on Friday.

“Illinois is working hard to continue finding new ways to improve our infrastructure,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With the help of this commission, we will find innovative ways to execute the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and find sources of funding for projects in the communities that need it most.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the leaked Supreme Court ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade:

“The Supreme Court’s draft opinion to strip women of their right to choose is appalling. The ability to make decisions on your own body is the most basic and fundamental of rights, and we must do all we can to protect those rights for all women.

“All reproductive care, including abortion, is and will remain legal in Illinois thanks to the Reproductive Health Act. I was proud to stand with the women in our General Assembly in passing that critical piece of legislation and will continue to stand with them as we fight this disastrous decision.

Arab American Heritage Month first became nationally recognized on April 1, 2021.

The U.S. Department of State issued a proclamation acknowledging the month of April as the sanctioned commemoration of Arab Americans’ history, culture and legacies. The initiative was supported by Congress and a large number of governors through additional written proclamations.

Since AAHM’s official announcement, only four states have taken official action in maintaining such an initiative on the state level. Illinois is among these four states.

SPRINGFIELD – Sports fans may soon have additional options for special license plates thanks to legislation by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that passed the Illinois Senate Thursday.

“Showing support for your favorite team will now include our fine soccer and basketball teams,” Villivalam said. “These license plates will provide additional revenue for the state while showcasing the teams that drive our success.”

House Bill 4434 authorizes the Illinois Secretary of State to issue special license plates for the Chicago Sky, Chicago Red Stars and the Chicago Fire. Other professional sports teams with special plates include the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.

­SPRINGFIELD – To make housing more accessible to low-income families, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) advanced legislation from the Senate Executive Committee to prevent property owners from discriminating against a prospective renter’s source of income.

“No one should be denied housing when they have the means to make the rent,” Villivalam said. “Too often, individuals on government assistance, single mothers receiving child support or seniors on fixed incomes are turned away solely based on where they receive their income each month.”

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SPRINGFIELD – To better meet the needs of Illinois’ Indian American population, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) advanced legislation in the Senate State Government Committee to create the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council.

“As the son of Indian immigrants, I am committed to doing all I can to make Illinois the most welcoming state,” Villivalam said. “This council will uplift Indian voices and ensure all of the diverse communities that contribute to our state’s success have a seat at the table.”

SPRINGFIELD – After a recent organizational shakeup at the Illinois Tollway Authority, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to clarify the roles of the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board at the agency.

“We are simply putting in statute what has been in practice as it relates to the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director,” Villivalam said. “My plan clarifies the roles of upper management at the agency and puts the powers of the board chair in line with other agencies, like the Capitol Development Board.”

Senate Bill 3796 removes language from the Toll Highway Act that gives the board chair the authority to exercise general supervision of the agency and makes the agency’s Executive Director an appointment by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.