SPRINGFIELD – To set a standard of dignified working conditions in new industries, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) advanced the Future of Work Act from both chambers of the General Assembly.

“Our economy is changing dramatically to adapt to the pandemic, new industries and technology,” Villivalam said. “Illinois must be a leader in building an equitable future for working families by establishing clear and dignified standards of work.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that all residents have access to good-paying work, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate that would prohibit employers from discriminating against an applicant based on their current federal work authorization status.

“Those authorized to work in the United States should not face employment discrimination,” Villivalam said. “All residents of Illinois deserve access to good work that pays living wages.”

SPRINGFIELD – To allow students of all faiths to practice freely, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of the Illinois Senate that would provide them with up to five days of excused absences for religious holidays.

“Illinois is a diverse state with several religious communities,” Villivalam said. “Our school calendar should reflect the diversity of our state and allow students of all faiths the flexibility to practice according to their religious calendar.”

SPRINGFIELD – To protect the wellbeing of public school employees, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate that would offer the same terms and conditions as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

“Illinois should expand access to family and medical leave for working families,” Villivalam said. “Our educators and school staff work on the frontlines every day to provide a quality education for our youth and deserve their leave with no strings attached.”