Villivalam proposes resolution to make March Social Work Month

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam, an advocate for social workers statewide, is proposing that March be declared Social Work Month in Illinois:

“I’m thrilled SR 59 was adopted by the Senate today,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “Social workers dedicate their lives to enhancing the well-being of those they serve. It is encouraging to me that this profession is one of the fastest growing nationwide.”

The social work profession is expected to grow faster than average over the next seven years, with more than 682,000 people nationwide expected to be employed as social workers by 2026. Social workers elevate and empower people, giving them the ability to solve problems, cope with personal roadblocks and get resources they need to succeed.

“Ensuring that March is dedicated to paying homage to the profession of social work is the least we can do,” Villivalam said. “They are ready and willing to help solve pressing issues, most notably the availability and quality of mental health services. Thank you to those who have dedicated themselves to helping others in this capacity.”

Villivalam moves to crack down on assault and harassment against hotel and casino employees

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to improve the safety of hotel and casino employees passed the Senate Labor Committee today.
“I’m proud that the first piece of legislation I filed in Springfield proactively ensures that workers at hotels and casinos are protected against sexual assault and sexual harassment,” Senator Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “One of my top legislative priorities is furthering protections for working people in Illinois, and this bill protect some of the hardest working people in the hospitality industries.”

Senate Bill 75 calls for hotels and casinos to ensure that a sexual harassment policy is in place to protect their employees. In addition, it requires that employees who work in closed spaces have access to a safety button or notification device that would alert security to the presence of assailants.

Similar measures have been adopted in Chicago, Seattle, New York City, and Miami Beach. In the wake of this movement, a number of prominent hotel operators have voluntarily pledged to roll out safety buttons by 2020, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and InterContinental Hotels Group.

“No one deserves to feel unsafe in their work environment,” Villivalam said. “By following the example of some of the nation’s most populous cities, we will provide a safer and more productive workplace to those who work at these facilities. I also want to thank UNITE HERE, the Hotel and Motel Association and Caesars Entertainment for their advocacy on this legislation.”
The legislation is scheduled for consideration before the full Senate.

Villivalam introduces legislation to assist Alzheimer’s patients seeking treatment

SPRINGFIELD - Legislation to assist Alzheimer’s patients seeking care passed the Senate Human Services Committee this afternoon.

State Senator Ram Villivalam is the chief sponsor of the initiative.

“People with early onset Alzheimer's and dementia and their caregivers often don't know where to start when looking for helpful resources,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “This bill will make it clear which services are available and how to access them.”

SB 187 would require the Illinois Department on Aging to develop educational materials, including a website, that indicate the services that are available to all diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder as defined under the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Act, regardless of age.

“Alzheimer's and dementia are both extremely hard for patients and their caregivers to manage, no matter the onset age,” Villivalam said. “We need to ensure all who need it have access to care.”

Villivalam votes in favor of new minimum purchasing age for tobacco

SPRINGFIELD –The Illinois Senate voted to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21 years old today, with the measure now awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.
State Senator Ram Villivalam helped pass House Bill 345, prohibiting the purchase or possession of alternative nicotine products, electronic cigarettes and tobacco products by individuals under the age of 21.

“Just last week, a constituent shared with me that she lost her father to smoking-related illness when he was only 40 years old, leaving behind his wife, seven children and a baby on the way,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “She urged me to take action to prevent others from facing the same fate and I'm proud of the fact that today the State Senate took the necessary action.”

According to the American Lung Association, underage smokers’ primary source of cigarettes is their 18- to 20-year-old peers. The Association believes that increasing the legal age of sale of tobacco would virtually eliminate the ability for high school students to purchase and share products with younger children.

“It is our duty to encourage healthy habits among our youth,” Villivalam said. “Tobacco is an addictive and lethal substance that alongside alcohol and firearms should be restricted to those who are 21 and over.”

Additionally, the Association believes that raising the age would reduce smoking among 15-17 year olds by 25 percent and among 18- to 20-year-olds by 15 percent. Overall, the Association believes raising the age will result in fewer long-term smokers, reducing overall smoking rates by 12 percent.

If signed, the measure would take effect July 1, 2019.