SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam was sworn in to represent Illinois’ 8^th Senate District for a second term on Wednesday.

“Serving my community in the Illinois Senate has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and look forward to building on that progress in the 103^rd General Assembly.”

Due to ongoing construction at the Illinois State Capitol, lawmakers this year took their oaths of office at the Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. The historic site is the location where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech and where President Barack Obama announced his candidacy, and served as Illinois’ statehouse from 1840-1876.

In his first term Senator Villivalam championed several first-in-the-nation laws, including the Workers’ Rights Amendment, Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act, requiring Alzheimer’s training for doctors and the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act. He passed more than 60 laws during his first term. Senator Villivalam’s legislative priorities for his second term include comprehensive paid family and medical leave, keeping communities safe, expanding equitable job opportunities, and ensuring that Illinois’ transportation and infrastructure industries remain competitive.

Senator Villivalam represents Illinois’ 8^th Senate District, which includes 24 neighborhoods on Chicago’s North Side and five suburban municipalities.