Originally published on KPVI Channel 6 on Jan. 27, 2022.

Nutrient loss is one of the most serious pollution threats faced in the U.S., causing a Rhode Island-sized dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, poisoning local lakes and streams and causing serious health problems for people and domesticated animals.

This year, Illinois lawmakers are considering how to best direct state resources to help reduce nutrient runoff, particularly in the agriculture sector and suburban sewage runoff.

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Originally published on Journal-Topics on Jan. 24, 2022.

Niles-Maine District Library trustees imposed a hiring freeze in May and have seen a steady attrition of library employees since then. The library’s reduced staffing has also caught the attention of local state senators, state representatives, and a county commissioner, who called on trustees to end the freeze.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-8th) read a letter during public comment at the library’s Wednesday, Jan. 18 board of trustees meeting, also signed by State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-10th), State Rep. Marty Moylan (D-55th), State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-19th), Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-13th) and Niles Township Democratic Committeeperson Josina Morita.

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Originally published on Daily Line on Nov. 16, 2021.

As Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot were in Washington D.C. Monday to celebrate the signing of Democrats' long-awaited Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, elected officials from across Illinois were already making plans for the $17 billion that will come to Illinois.

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Chicago, IL – “Our union applauds Governor Pritzker for protecting workers’ rights by sighing HB2521,” said Dian Palmer, president of SEIU Local 73. “We especially thank Senator Ram Villivalam (D-8) and Representative Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. (D-21) for championing this bill. Our thanks also go to the Illinois AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 31, and the Illinois Federation of Teachers for working with us to pass this important legislation.”

"Protecting the right to strike is essential to the survival of the labor movement," said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). "Our plan will protect our brothers and sisters from retaliation in the workplace as they advocate for a living wage, decent benefits and better working conditions. I am proud to have championed this vital legislation."

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