SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker vetoed House Bill 3643, which would have required all public schools, the University of Illinois Hospital and state correctional facilities to offer a kosher and halal food option upon request:

"I am disappointed in the governor’s veto of providing Halal and Kosher food options to our youth in schools.

“The innovative concept of the Illinois State Board of Education securing a master contract to accomplish the above goal was one that was brought forward by school districts in their attempt to meet the diverse dietary needs of our students.

“As I have from the beginning, I look forward to continuing robust discussions to accomplish this goal.”

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