Dear Neighbor,
As state legislators, we do not typically make statements on international issues. This weekend, however, our community was profoundly shaken, saddened, and enraged by the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians. Witnessing the devastating loss of innocent lives in the Middle East and knowing that many of our community members are grappling with worry and anguish for their loved ones, we found it necessary to address this deeply troubling situation.
Let us be clear. We wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemn the heinous terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas.
There is nothing that justifies cruel violence. We are hopeful that there is a path forward to end terrorism, to achieve peace, and for no more blood to be shed.
We know that this is an incredibly difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices if we can help in any way. Senator Villivalam’s office can be reached at (872) 208-5188 or
Ram Villivalam
IL State Senator (D-08)
CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam joined the Illinois Arts Council to celebrate local artists who received 2023 Artist Fellowship Awards from the Illinois Arts Council.
“Continuing to support and celebrate artists brings more to our culture and to our communities around Illinois. This award gives artists more financial stability and opportunity to continue their outstanding work and commitment to the arts,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Recognizing these incredible artists who have created a substantial body of work throughout an outstanding artistic career with this award is one way Illinois can continue to support their creative endeavors.”
The IACA is proud to be able to provide Illinois artists with unrestricted funds to support their creative endeavors and artistic growth. The AFA Program offered funding in 8 artistic disciplines. This year's Fellowship and Finalist Award recipients were selected from 283 Illinois based creative artists working in the disciplines of Choreography, Media Arts (category includes audio art, digital art, film and video), Music Composition, Music Improvisation, New Performance Forms, Poetry, Prose, and Scriptworks.
“The Artist Fellowship Awards celebrate the backbone of Illinois’ rich cultural history: its artists," said Illinois Arts Council Executive Director, Joshua Davis-Ruperto. “Continued direct support to artists like Meida McNeal and Reina Hardy shows that the state of Illinois believes in the positive impact arts and culture can have on quality of life and the strengthening of local economies. I would like to personally thank Senator Villavalam for his continued support for Illinois’ creative sector.”
CHICAGO – Fifteen local restaurants will receive grants of up to $50,000 thanks to the Illinois Back to Business grant program and support from State Senator Ram Villivalam.
“Our small businesses are still excperiencing challenges created by the pandemic over two years later. We need to continue to facilitate their recovery and ensure that our local business corridors continue to prosper,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These grant funds will go a long way for small businesses by helping supplement financial downturns, provide funding for utilities and maintenance, and assist with operational expenses.”
Restaurants in the communities of the 8th District will receive a combined total of $455,000 through this round of Back to Business grants and include:
The Sandwich Club | Sunnyday Tasp INC |
Crepe House Café INC | SUBWAY |
Hala IN, INC | PICCOLO |
Fluky's | Hamachi Sushi Bar |
Pho Nam Lua | Creative Food INC |
Nine Brothers LLC | Grant Personal Chef |
Saigon Pho INC | Pasta D'arte |
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker vetoed House Bill 3643, which would have required all public schools, the University of Illinois Hospital and state correctional facilities to offer a kosher and halal food option upon request:
"I am disappointed in the governor’s veto of providing Halal and Kosher food options to our youth in schools.
“The innovative concept of the Illinois State Board of Education securing a master contract to accomplish the above goal was one that was brought forward by school districts in their attempt to meet the diverse dietary needs of our students.
“As I have from the beginning, I look forward to continuing robust discussions to accomplish this goal.”
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