Villivalam: Data-driven improvements coming to Illinois transportation network

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a law passed by State Senator Ram Villivalam, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today the implementation of their Multi Year Plan – a six-year plan to rebuild Illinois’ infrastructure using new, equity-based metrics.

"With this investment, Illinois is working toward its commitment to delivering equitable, data-driven solutions to our transportation and infrastructure needs," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). "Coupled with federal funding, we will improve our infrastructure to ensure safety, accessibility, and responsible economic and environmental impact."

The six-year plan will include $34.6 billion in state and federal funds, with nearly $3 billion dedicated to new projects. For the first time, under the law passed by Senator Villivalam, road projects were evaluated by metrics that include impacts on economic development, livability for those in the community where a project is underway, environmental impact, accessibility, and increased benefits and reduced harms to underserved communities.

Local school districts receive $200,000 in School Maintenance Grants

­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam announced that, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education, four local school districts received grants for infrastructure improvements.

“Our students deserve the best possible learning environment,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These grants will help to build safer, healthier classrooms at schools throughout our community.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

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Local parks receive $1.2 million in OSLAD investments

CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam is proud to announce that local parks in and around the 8th Senate District have received $1.2 million grant from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.

“Parks and green spaces make our communities a great place to call home and keep our youth engaged in safe, constructive activities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This investment will ensure that we are keeping our recreation areas modernized and ready to enjoy for generations to come.”

OSLAD is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and helps communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities. OSLAD grants cover up to half of a project’s costs and must be matched by grant recipients. A total of $30.3 million was disbursed to 87 parks across Illinois this year.

Local parks in and around the 8th Senate District received $1.2 million in OSLAD grants and include the following:

• Village of Lincolnwood, Flowers Park – $400,000
• Niles Park District, Pioneer Park – $400,000
• Skokie Park District, Central Park – $400,000

New Villivalam law gives schools greater flexibility with food service providers

­CHICAGO – School districts will now have greater flexibility in contracting with food service providers, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Ram Villivalam that was signed on Wednesday.

“Local school boards know what food options are best for students in their communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Our plan allows schools to contract with providers that share the same set of values as they do.”

House Bill 4813 removes a requirement that school districts must contract with the lowest bidder on food service contracts. Schools may now instead give preference to contractors that use local or regional suppliers, contractors that value animal welfare, minority- or women-owned contractors, and contractors owned by an individual with a disability.

House Bill 4813 was signed by the governor on Wednesday and is effective immediately.