Originally published in News India Times, January 7, 2020. 

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), who represents the 8th District, has been appointed Chair of the Special Committee on Supplier Diversity in the Illinois Senate.

Villivalam is the first Indian-American elected to the Illinois General Assembly, and first Asian-American elected to the Illinois State Senate.

In his new appointment, Villivalam will work with members of the committee, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration, and stakeholders to evaluate and propose solutions to improve the diversity of the transportation and infrastructure work that is done in the state of Illinois, a Jan. 3, 2020 press release from the Indian-American State Senator’s office said.

The Special Committee on Supplier Diversity is primarily responsible for overseeing public and private sector organizations and ensuring that they offer diverse opportunities to small businesses and job growth for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.

“I look forward to expanding opportunities for women, minority, and veteran owned businesses around the state,” Villivalam said in a statement. “Supplier diversity is an issue I’ve been working on in the legislature and in my district. My work will prioritize equity while strengthening our economy, two critically important jobs of our state government,” he added.

Originally published in Security Magazine, Sept. 15, 2019.

“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.”

Hotels and casinos in Illinois will soon be required to have anti-sexual harassment policies that include, for certain workers, access to a safety button or notification device that alerts security staff.

The Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act that was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker requires all employees working alone in guest rooms, restrooms or casino floors to be supplied with a safety or notification device at no cost to them. It also prohibits employer retaliation against workers who use the device or disclose, report or testify about violations of the act.