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.”

Villivalam champions legislation to reverse COVID-19 job losses

CHICAGO – To bring working people back into the job market, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to offer businesses a tax credit to hire employees who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over one and a half million people across Illinois have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic,” Villivalam said. “We must do right by working people and our small business community by incentivizing growth during this difficult time.”

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Airline employees may now use sick time to care for family

CHICAGO – Airline employees may use sick time to care for family members now that legislation sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) was signed into law Friday.

“Access to paid family and medical leave is essential for the future of work,” Villivalam said. “Airline workers shouldn’t have to choose between caring for sick loved ones and keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads.”

House Bill 106 amends the Employee Sick Leave Act by removing a line that exempted airline employees from coverage. This change allows these workers to use already-earned sick time to care for sick family members.

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