­CHICAGO – Seniors and people with a disability will soon see their vehicle registration fee significantly reduced thanks to a new law supported by Senate Transportation Committee chair Ram Villivalam.

“Making driver services more affordable will improve equity across the state for all who use our roads,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am proud to support cost-savings measures like this for all our seniors and neighbors living with disabilities.”

House Bill 5304 reduces the vehicle registration fee from $24 to $10 for vehicle owners and their spouses who receive benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. An individual qualifies for the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act if they are 65 years of age or older or a person who is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental disability, and meet income requirements.

House Bill 5304 was signed into law on Friday, May 13 and is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – To make housing more accessible to low-income families, legislation to prevent property owners from discriminating against a prospective renter’s source of income, championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam, was signed into law on Monday.

"No one should be denied housing when they have the means to make the rent,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This measure will protect individuals on government assistance, single mothers receiving child support and seniors on fixed incomes who may have been turned away from housing in the past.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after voting to pass the state’s FY23 budget and tax relief plan:

“This year’s tax relief plan makes critical investments in working families with an increased Earned Income Tax Credit that, for the first time, will be available to taxpayers regardless of immigrant status. According to Economic Security for Illinois this will put a projected $7.4 million back in the pockets of the more than 16,000 earned income filers that live in our district.

“Keeping our commitment to equitably funding schools, the evidence-based school funding formula will provide an additional $350 million for K-12 education to drive student success in every community.

“With gun violence on the rise in our communities, we are putting $235 million toward proactive measures to curb gun violence under the Reimagine Public Safety Act. It also invests millions of dollars to support public safety measures that will prevent these tragedies from happening.

“Our budget considers the struggles that working people have faced throughout the pandemic and prioritizes those most in need of relief.”

SPRINGFIELD – Sports fans may soon have additional options for special license plates thanks to legislation by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that passed the Illinois Senate Thursday.

“Showing support for your favorite team will now include our fine soccer and basketball teams,” Villivalam said. “These license plates will provide additional revenue for the state while showcasing the teams that drive our success.”

House Bill 4434 authorizes the Illinois Secretary of State to issue special license plates for the Chicago Sky, Chicago Red Stars and the Chicago Fire. Other professional sports teams with special plates include the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.

House Bill 4434 passed the Illinois Senate and awaits the governor’s signature before becoming law.