Villivalam: Illinois must build an equitable future for public transportation

SPRINGFIELD – To lay the groundwork for a regional public transportation network, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to require the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning to submit legislative recommendations to achieve long-term financial viability for the network.

“We must strive to provide reliable access to public transit, and with it access to job opportunities, health care and other essentials,” Villivalam said. “Illinois must build an equitable future for public transportation that prioritizes all of our neighbors.”

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Villivalam passes landmark legislation to streamline infrastructure improvements

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, advanced legislation to allow an alternative project delivery method on infrastructure improvements from the Illinois Senate on Friday.

“Streamlining the implementation of infrastructure improvements will save taxpayer dollars and rebuild our roads, bridges and mass transit systems in a transparent and equitable manner,” Villivalam said. “Finding alternative ways to deliver on rebuilding Illinois remains a top priority for me on the Senate Transportation Committee.”

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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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