Villivalam asks those who are able to join COVID-19 contact tracing initiative

CHICAGO – In light of the recent spikes in COVID-19 cases around the country, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is asking anyone who is able to consider applying to become a contact tracer for the Chicago or Cook County Health Department.  

“Illinoisans have been and need to continue to do a decent job of limiting the spread of the virus by wearing a mask, socially distancing, and washing their hands for 20 seconds,” Villivalam said. “However, while we are doing relatively well compared to other states in the country, we can’t afford to relax our efforts. If you are able, please consider becoming a contact tracer to help us stop any new major outbreaks in our communities.” 

The Chicago Department of Public Health has received a $56 million grant to create the COVID Contact Tracing Corp and COVID Resource Coordination Hub, while the Cook County Department of Public Health has received almost $41 million in COVID-19 relief funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health via the FEMA Disaster Relief Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. 

Contact tracing is the multi-step process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have come into contact with a positive case of COVID-19 and connecting them to resources to help them during quarantine. The CDPH is looking to expand and diversify its workforce up to 600 people and the CCDPH is looking to expand its workforce to 400 people. Bilingual and multilingual speakers are needed to help with outreach to all of Chicago’s diverse communities. Contact tracers in Chicago will earn $20 per hour, with supervisors able to earn $24 per hour. 

Individuals interested in applying to become a contact tracer can find the IDPH Contact Tracing Program interest form on IDPH’s website. More general information is available on the City of Chicago’s website and the CCDPH website. 

Villivalam believes mass transit districts must take proper safety precautions

CHICAGO – Acting in his capacity as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) has sent a letter to all mass transit agencies in Illinois to inquire about the steps they are taking to protect both their passengers and employees.

“Public transit is essential to people’s lives and livelihoods,” Villivalam said. “Its continued availability is crucial to reviving our state’s economy, but without proper safety precautions, our buses and trains could also help spread COVID-19.” 

Villivalam, along with several of his colleagues, have asked the state’s transit agencies to explain their COVID-19 safety precautions. They’ve asked the agencies to detail their requirements and procedures for testing, tracing, temperature checks, sanitation, and employee pay. They’ve also encouraged the agencies to provide more information about safety procedures like mask requirements and capacity limits.

State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Minority Spokesperson of the Senate Transportation Committee, added that the Committee has a responsibility to the public to ensure that the appropriate steps are being taken by mass transit agencies to protect their health and safety.

“In order for mass transit riders to comfortably return, there must be assurance that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that not only the staff is being monitored and tested to prevent the spread of infection, but also that there is regular cleaning of all areas and surfaces that riders come in contact with,” said Sen. DeWitte.

Villivalam and his colleagues are looking forward to working with the state’s transit agencies to ensure the safety of all Illinoisans as they return to work and reopen the state economy.

Villivalam is especially concerned about mass transit, as many working class families rely on buses and trains for all of their travel needs, including going to work and school.

Villivalam alerts residents to unemployment fraud scam

CHICAGO – Recent reports of identity theft and unemployment fraud have prompted State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) to urge anyone who may have been targeted to file a report. 

“Using a global pandemic to take advantage of people is unethical and illegal,” Villivalam said. “If you think you’ve been a victim or target of fraudulent activity, report it immediately.” 

Reports surfaced last week of individuals receiving KeyBank debit cards with an accompanying unemployment benefit letter despite never having applied for assistance. The Illinois Department of Employment Security suspects these mailings may be fraud attempts.

IDES currently believes they’re part of a nationwide fraud scheme targeting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program applicants. 

IDES staff is currently working with individuals whose identities have or may have been compromised by a scammer. The department is also partnering with local and federal law enforcement to catch and prosecute the perpetrators. 

“If you have received a debit card in the mail and have not applied for assistance, don’t activate the card. Call IDES immediately at 1-800-814-0531 to report potential identity theft,” Villivalam said. “We can’t let these scammers get away with their schemes while people are struggling to overcome the pandemic. I would also encourage anyone who has been targeted to check your credit reports for suspicious activity.” 

When you have filed a report, the Illinois Attorney General is offering information and tips free of charge for those who think their personal and financial information may be at risk. For assistance, consult their Identity Theft Resource Guideor call the toll-free Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630.

Victims of fraud are also encouraged to place a fraud alert through one of the three major credit bureaus should any suspicious activity be found. Individuals should visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for helpful tips on recognizing and reporting identity theft. 

Villivalam continues pandemic initiatives, seeks to provide further relief in light of upcoming reduction in COVID-19 benefits

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) has worked closely with members of the communities he represents to support people in need during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At the close of this month, the additional $600 a week for unemployment insurance and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation will end. 

In light of this expiring assistance program, Villivalam is seeking to ensure all constituents know how to reach his office and the resources available to them. 

Villivalam’s office can assist with grocery and medication delivery, accessing rent and mortgage relief, utility assistance options, unemployment benefits, and more. 

“This extra financial assistance from the federal government has helped so many during these unsettled times. It’s unfortunate that it is ending while so many people are still struggling,” Villivalam said “I want to be as helpful as I can. I encourage anyone in the 8^th District who needs help and/or has suggestions on how we can help to reach out to my office.” 

To date, Senator Villivalam and his office have provided and participated in:

• Calls to more than 100,000 area residents to offer assistance and to answer questions;
• Regular newsletter updates, FAQs, and resource guides with the latest information;
• Wellness check calls made to over 11,000 seniors to connect them to vital federal, state, and local services;
• Assisting close to 400 residents with their COVID-19 related cases issues with the state of Illinois;
• Close to 200 food pantry/grocery deliveries;
• The creation of a GoFundMe that raised approximately $15,000 in support of local food pantries;
• The coordination of services with other governmental offices and;
• Several online presentations and briefings with fellow local lawmakers and community leaders, including town halls on resources for small businesses, first responders, and schools;
• A community call with residents of the 60645 ZIP code to help coordinate the response to the high COVID-19 rate in the community;
• An Asian American Caucus call with Secretary Hou and various non-profits serving the Asian American community; and
• A webinar for assisting Asian American businesses in conjunction with the Illinois Asian American Legislative Caucus, the Asian American Caucus, and the Asian American Coalition of Chicago.

To contact Villivalam and his staff, constituents can call (872) 208-5188, text (224) 592-5819, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit his website, www.senatorram.com/contact-us, to send a message, or reach out via social media at www.facebook.com/senatorram or www.twitter.com/senvillivalam.