Lawmakers call hearing to shed transparency on organizational changes to Tollway

CHICAGO – A recent shakeup of administrative powers at the Illinois Tollway Authority will be the subject of an Illinois Senate Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday.

“With purpose of ensuring the responsible stewardship of tax dollars that are collected and administered at the Illinois Tollway, we are committed to shedding transparency on the organizational changes that were recently made,” said Senator Ram Villivalam, a Chicago Democrat who chairs the committee.

In October, the Tollway board voted to give the board chairman additional, direct oversight of some agency departments that had previously fallen under the tollway’s executive director. Board members have said the move was in the best interest of the Tollway.

The hearing is an opportunity to explore the change in greater detail.

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Villivalam, Silverstein to host children’s vaccine clinic this Friday

­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Alderperson Debra Silverstein partnering with the Rohingya Cultural Center, Swedish Covenant Hospital, ICNA Relief and the city of Chicago to offer a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children in the West Ridge area. The clinic will also offer booster shots to anyone who needs one.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way for us to protect our community’s public health and end the pandemic,” Villivalam said. “I encourage anyone with questions on the vaccine to join us to learn more and get their shot.”

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Villivalam, LaPointe to host Afghan refugee town hall Thursday

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) are partnering with other elected officials and immigrant and refugee support organizations to host a refugee town hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.

“With humanitarian crises rising across the globe, our community will welcome some 500 refugees to the Chicago area,” Villivalam said. “Join us for an open forum on how we can welcome our new neighbors and create a lasting support network.”

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Villivalam establishes Diwali as official holiday in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed a resolution in the Illinois Senate that declares Nov. 4, 2021 as Diwali Day in Illinois.

“I am honored to celebrate Diwali as an official holiday this year,” Villivalam said. “Our communities that observe Diwali are grateful to live in a welcoming state that values the religious and cultural diversity of its residents.”

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs worldwide. It celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, symbolically represented by a festival of lights. Celebrants of Diwali traditionally light small oil lamps throughout their homes, craft flower garlands, share sweets and launch paper lanterns after dark.

Senate Resolution 593 passed without opposition in the Illinois Senate.