Report on Public Transit in the RTA region

Following the vote to approve the report put together by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) on how to provide reliable, safe, accessible, affordable, and environmentally conscious public transit on the CTA, Metra, and PACE in the RTA region, State Senator Ram Villivalam shared his thoughts on the importance of a robust public transit system and the next steps to achieve that goal.

"The stakes are too high for us not to fully review and comprehend and act on this report," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). "We need a robust discussion — it's what our constituents have asked us for. I would imagine we would be holding meetings and committee hearings over the next year for people to testify as to their beliefs and positions on some of these issues.”

CMAP adopted the proposal last Wednesday, a plan that included options to change the governance, improve service, provide stable funding, and adopt a more regional mindset.

To read more about the CMAP proposal and how transportation may look in Chicago, take a look at the Daily Herald’s article. 

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Senator Villivalam's statement on terrorist attacks against Israel

Dear Neighbor,

As state legislators, we do not typically make statements on international issues. This weekend, however, our community was profoundly shaken, saddened, and enraged by the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians. Witnessing the devastating loss of innocent lives in the Middle East and knowing that many of our community members are grappling with worry and anguish for their loved ones, we found it necessary to address this deeply troubling situation.

Let us be clear. We wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemn the heinous terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas.

There is nothing that justifies cruel violence. We are hopeful that there is a path forward to end terrorism, to achieve peace, and for no more blood to be shed.

We know that this is an incredibly difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices if we can help in any way. Senator Villivalam’s office can be reached at (872) 208-5188 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Representative Olickal’s office can be reached at (847) 673-1131 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ram Villivalam

IL State Senator (D-08)

Villivalam celebrates recipients of the Artist Fellowship Award

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam joined the Illinois Arts Council to celebrate local artists who received 2023 Artist Fellowship Awards from the Illinois Arts Council.

“Continuing to support and celebrate artists brings more to our culture and to our communities around Illinois. This award gives artists more financial stability and opportunity to continue their outstanding work and commitment to the arts,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Recognizing these incredible artists who have created a substantial body of work throughout an outstanding artistic career with this award is one way Illinois can continue to support their creative endeavors.”

The IACA is proud to be able to provide Illinois artists with unrestricted funds to support their creative endeavors and artistic growth. The AFA Program offered funding in 8 artistic disciplines. This year's Fellowship and Finalist Award recipients were selected from 283 Illinois based creative artists working in the disciplines of Choreography, Media Arts (category includes audio art, digital art, film and video), Music Composition, Music Improvisation, New Performance Forms, Poetry, Prose, and Scriptworks.

“The Artist Fellowship Awards celebrate the backbone of Illinois’ rich cultural history: its artists," said Illinois Arts Council Executive Director, Joshua Davis-Ruperto. “Continued direct support to artists like Meida McNeal and Reina Hardy shows that the state of Illinois believes in the positive impact arts and culture can have on quality of life and the strengthening of local economies. I would like to personally thank Senator Villavalam for his continued support for Illinois’ creative sector.”

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Villivalam announces $455,000 in Back to Business grants for local restaurants

CHICAGO – Fifteen local restaurants will receive grants of up to $50,000 thanks to the Illinois Back to Business grant program and support from State Senator Ram Villivalam.

“Our small businesses are still excperiencing challenges created by the pandemic over two years later. We need to continue to facilitate their recovery and ensure that our local business corridors continue to prosper,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These grant funds will go a long way for small businesses by helping supplement financial downturns, provide funding for utilities and maintenance, and assist with operational expenses.”

Restaurants in the communities of the 8^th District will receive a combined total of $455,000 through this round of Back to Business grants and include:

Read more …