- Category: Press Releases
CHICAGO – As Chairperson of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging drivers to visit the Department of Transportation’s GettingAroundIllinois.com to track winter road conditions.
“With winter weather and the pandemic, staying home this holiday season is the safest option,” Villivalam said. “If you have to travel, though, make sure your path is safe by visiting Getting Around Illinois for instant updates.”
GettingAroundIllinois.com is available online and optimized for smartphones. Road conditions are recorded by plow drivers out in the field and relayed via network to GettingAroundIllinois.com to provide an up-to-date general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.
Holiday travelers should also make sure they have emergency items in their vehicle in case of a weather emergency or breakdown. The National Safety Council recommends every vehicle have a blanket, first aid kit, spare tire and tools, jumper cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in case of emergency.
- Category: Press Releases
CHICAGO – In light of the likely rise in positive COVID-19 cases due to holiday travel, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is urging residents to take advantage of a newly opened permanent testing site set up at the Bernard Horwich JCC in the Rosenstone Room.
“We need to continue and improve our testing operations to stay ahead of the virus and prevent a big post-holiday outbreak,” Villivalam said. “This testing site is free, and it’s easy to get a fast test.”
The testing site will open this Friday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. and is located at 3003 W. Touhy Ave. in Chicago. Testing will be available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Simple nasal swabs will be used, and there is free parking on site. Anyone can get tested regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms, but appointments are required to avoid overcrowding and to allow for social distancing. The tests are free, and the results will be available within three to five days. Residents should bring their insurance card if they have one, but anyone can still get a test without insurance.
“If you traveled to celebrate the holidays with friends or family, getting a test is the best way to make sure you aren’t accidentally bringing the virus home to a loved one,” Villivalam said. “We all want to see our loved ones, especially during the holidays, but we also need to make sure we take every possible precaution to remain in good health.”
Appointments can be booked on the JCC testing website.
- Category: Press Releases
- Category: Press Releases
CHICAGO – More than 50 small businesses facing economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the district State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) represents received financial relief through the Business Interruption Grant Program, and he is urging more to apply.
“I was proud to support legislation to make these extremely valuable grants available for our small businesses as we head into the winter and the pandemic continues,” Villivalam said. “Our local economy is powered by both family and minority-owned businesses. While outdoor dining was employed over the summer to help generate business, that is much more of a challenge during the winter months.”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the funds this week as part of the second round of BIG program funding. Applications will also remain open until all of the funding is spent.
The second round of grants awarded between $5,000 to $150,000 to 52 businesses in the 8th District, which received nearly a combined $1.5 million. These funds can be used to help cover expenses like payroll costs, rent, and utilities, as well as pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, increased training and new technology.
“While these grants provide much needed financial relief, there is simply no question that we need an all of the above strategy that includes a federal stimulus package,” Villivalam said. “Additionally, I will certainly and I know other folks will support their local and small businesses throughout the winter. Getting takeout or simply purchasing a gift card can really help out a small business owner.”
The BIG program is the biggest state-funded financial support program created in response to the pandemic to date. Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.
More Articles …
- Villivalam and DeWitte pledge to continue to work together despite session postponement
- Villivalam urges residents to take advantage of a free, temporary COVID-19 testing site in Lincolnwood
- Villivalam congratulates 2020 Senior Hall of Fame Inductee
- Villivalam and Small Business Advocacy Council announce new legislation to help small businesses
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