Villivalam, DeWitte to work with Tollway to ensure accountability

CHICAGO – Following the resignation of chair Will Evans from the Illinois Tollway Authority, State Senators Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Donald DeWitte (R-Saint Charles), chair and minority spokesperson of the Senate Transportation Committee, are ready to work with the Tollway to ensure transparency and accountability in the organization’s operations.

“I would like to thank chair Evans for his public service,” Villivalam said. “For the last three years, the Illinois Tollway Authority has worked to provide affordable, accessible transportation to commuters while exceeding its diversity contracting goals.”

Senator Villivalam introduced Senate Bill 3796 to clarify the roles of the Executive Director and chairman of the agency. The measure outlines the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Tollway, and the Tollway board remains a separate oversight mechanism. Additionally, the legislation requires that the Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway Authority be appointed by the governor with the full advice and consent of the Illinois Senate.

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Villivalam moves healthy soil and water initiative

SPRINGFIELD – To mitigate pollution caused by agricultural runoff, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) advanced legislation to create the Illinois Healthy Soils and Watersheds Initiative.

“Meeting our goals for pollution reduction is a top priority in the fight against climate change,” Villivalam said. “We have an obligation to the next generation to leave behind a healthy planet.”

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Budget proposal keeps places of worship, communities safe

­SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) lauded the inclusion of $20 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in this year’s proposed state budget.

“Our communities face unprecedented levels of discrimination,” Villivalam said. “Keeping our neighbors safe from hate-motivated harm is a top priority, and I am glad to see that reflected in this year’s proposed budget.”

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Villivalam, Fine disturbed by antisemitic vandalism

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the West Rogers Park Jewish community suffered a series of targeted attacks over the weekend:

“This kind of hate is appalling and unacceptable anywhere, let alone in our own backyard.

“Illinois must live up to its commitment of being a welcoming state and prioritize protecting our most targeted neighbors. With hate crimes reaching the highest point in over a decade, Jewish and other diverse communities are in need of safe spaces to come together.

“To that end, we have introduced legislation to fully fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program so that the religious institutions, schools and support providers that serve marginalized communities have the necessary resources to protect their neighbors.”