SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to lower fees for teenagers who seek a duplicate copy of their state issued ID passed the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday.
State Senator Ram Villivalam is the sponsor of this initiative.

“For safety purposes, it is important for young people to have a form of identification on them at all times,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “It’s my hope that with this fee reduction it will encourage more of them to obtain their ID card and ensure all have access, regardless of socioeconomic status.”

HB 808 reduces the fee for original, renewal and duplicated Illinois ID cards for teenagers to $5 from $10.

This legislation will be heard before the Senate in the coming weeks.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam introduced legislation yesterday that would ensure state contractors will receive payments for their work in a timely manner.

“With this legislation we’re trying to make the payment process as seamless and transparent as possible,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “By taking advantage of an electronic payment system and implementing a database of those contractors who are owed money from the state we will be able to meet those aspirations.”

Senate Bill 104 would require that subcontractors be paid within seven business days after the prime contractor receives payment, as the overwhelming majority of prime contractors receive electronic payments from the state, reducing the need for time when the subcontractors are waiting to be paid their share for work already performed.

Further, IDOT would be required to publish on its website a searchable database containing the names of subcontractors or what is owed to subcontractors for each pay period, ensuring transparency and accessibility in the payment process.

This legislation now moves to the House for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate approved a tax reform package on Wednesday that would at long last ensure that those who are wealthiest are paying their fair share.

State Senator Ram Villivalam issued the following statement:

"The premise of creating a fair tax is simple: millionaires and billionaires should pay their fair share while we work to provide some tax relief for working families and ensure economic stability,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "Right now, our government taxes the income of all Illinoisans at the same level, whether you're making $40,000 a year or $40 million a year. We are one of only nine states that still stands by this unfair and fiscally irresponsible policy. This vote is the first step toward taxing residents more fairly and righting our fiscal ship."

The package of legislation will now be heard before the House of Representatives.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam that would increase opportunities for state assistance to Asian-American families passed the Senate last night.

“I’m incredibly proud to announce the passage of legislation that can only stand to enhance the lives Asian-American families in Illinois,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “Much like the African American and Latino Family Commissions operating in the state, the goal of the Asian-American Family Commission is the same: to understand the needs of and better serve the their respective community.”

HB 3217 creates the Asian American Family Commission and would require the Commission to advise the Governor and General Assembly and work with state agencies to improve and expand existing policies, services, programs and opportunities for Asian American families.

“Through this Commission we will ensure that productive policies are being enacted and that Asian-American families are able to access state programs that are designed to ease the burden they face,” Villivalam said.

This legislation awaits the governor’s signature to become law.