Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam
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Villivalam brings COVID testing site to Northeastern University

Category: Events
Monday, December 14, 2020 12:54 PM

NEIU Mobile Testing Site FB FINALCHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), State Rep. John D’Amico (D-Chicago), Commissioner Bridget Degnen and Alderperson Samantha Nugent are partnering to bring a remote COVID testing site to Northeastern Illinois University this Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We are facing an unprecedented public health crisis that has tragically impacted numerous families in our community and has exhausted our frontline workers,” Villivalam said. “Even though there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, we must stay vigilant. I encourage everyone to get tested at NEIU these next two days. No symptoms, insurance or appointments are required.”

Read more …

State senators call for utility disconnection moratorium

Category: Press Releases
Tuesday, December 01, 2020 03:54 PM
utility disconnection noticeSPRINGFIELD – Several Illinois state senators are calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to introduce a new moratorium on utility disconnections, as Illinois enters the dangerously cold part of the winter and the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic impact continue.
 
“We appreciate that the governor has continued his moratorium on evictions, but in Illinois, a home without heat is not a safe home in the winter,” said State Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “We need to ensure that everyone continues to have a safe place to live until this crisis has passed.”
 
Fine, along with her colleagues State Senators Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago), and Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), sent the governor a letter urging him to institute a new moratorium on utility shutoffs, to be in effect until the crisis or winter ends.
 
"Due to the deadly nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we advocate for a much needed stimulus package from the federal government, we need to take every action possible as a state to ensure the safety and health of our residents, including the avoidance of any utility disconnections," Villivalam said. "This will be among the most difficult holiday seasons that our families and our children will experience. Let us take one large burden and uncertainty off the table for our constituents."
 
Though the senators acknowledged that many utility companies have already voluntarily increased protections against shut-offs this winter, they believe that the rule needs to include all utility companies, and that this is too big of an issue to rely on voluntary compliance.
 
“We’re seeing people struggling, especially in Black and Brown communities, and especially employees of restaurants, bars, and other service industries,” Villanueva said. “While we appreciate that some companies have already stepped forward to offer more protections, we need to ensure that no Illinois family has to worry about losing access electricity or gas this winter.”
 
The full text of the letter is available here.

Villivalam: 52 local businesses in 8th District received funding, still time to apply

Category: Press Releases
Monday, November 30, 2020 10:02 AM

BIG Grants rd 2

CHICAGO – More than 50 small businesses facing economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the district State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) represents received financial relief through the Business Interruption Grant Program, and he is urging more to apply. 

“I was proud to support legislation to make these extremely valuable grants available for our small businesses as we head into the winter and the pandemic continues,” Villivalam said. “Our local economy is powered by both family and minority-owned businesses. While outdoor dining was employed over the summer to help generate business, that is much more of a challenge during the winter months.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the funds this week as part of the second round of BIG program funding. Applications will also remain open until all of the funding is spent. 

The second round of grants awarded between $5,000 to $150,000 to 52 businesses in the 8th District, which received nearly a combined $1.5 million. These funds can be used to help cover expenses like payroll costs, rent, and utilities, as well as pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, increased training and new technology.

“While these grants provide much needed financial relief, there is simply no question that we need an all of the above strategy that includes a federal stimulus package,” Villivalam said. “Additionally, I will certainly and I know other folks will support their local and small businesses throughout the winter. Getting takeout or simply purchasing a gift card can really help out a small business owner.” 

The BIG program is the biggest state-funded financial support program created in response to the pandemic to date. Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.

Villivalam and DeWitte pledge to continue to work together despite session postponement

Category: Press Releases
Wednesday, November 11, 2020 03:48 PM

Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD – After a renewed surge in COVID-19 infections forced the postponement of the upcoming General Assembly veto session at the Capitol, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Spokesperson Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles) pledge to continue to work together to improve Illinois’ infrastructure.

Villivalam and DeWitte remain committed to working in a bipartisan manner on a number of issues.

“Even though the Illinois General Assembly will not be convening for veto session due to the recent rise in COVID-19 infections and increasing hospitalizations, we pledge to continue to do the work of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, including—among other vital issues—ensuring the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan is executed in a responsible and transparent manner,” Villivalam said. “We remain committed to ensuring our roads, highways and bridges are safe.”

Read more …

More Articles …

  1. Villivalam urges residents to take advantage of a free, temporary COVID-19 testing site in Lincolnwood
  2. Villivalam congratulates 2020 Senior Hall of Fame Inductee
  3. Villivalam and Small Business Advocacy Council announce new legislation to help small businesses
  4. Villivalam: Fairness and equity key to expanding opportunities for Illinois companies that do business with the state
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Welcome

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. While there is no question that the last few years have been an unprecedented and unsettling time for all of us, my office and I have partnered with and witnessed the incredible support offered by members of our communities.
 
I remain committed to providing proactive, progressive, and effective representation on behalf of the residents of the 8th State Senate District.
 
My office and I aim to provide top notch constituent services and to keep you updated on the latest in Springfield. This website is your portal to connecting with my office and I for any way we may be of assistance to you or your family, including keeping you informed on our community-centered agenda in the Illinois Senate. Below you can find our contact information, office hours and the latest news.
 
We're available in-person or by telephone and/or email Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM. We frequently check our voicemail as well as our email system outside those hours to ensure we're helping with all urgent constituent matters.
 
Please call us at 872-208-5188 or click the CONTACT US tab above.

All my best,
villivalam sig
Ram Villivalam
State Senator, IL-08

in the news

Office Info

District Office
3851 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
(872) 208-5188

Springfield Office
Stratton Office Building
401 S. Spring St.
Section C, Office E
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5500

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