SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order protecting immigrant families in Illinois.

“I commend Gov. Pritzker for prioritizing and raising the voices of immigrant families in Illinois,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “We have a president who constantly spouts anti-immigrant rhetoric, and those who enter this country seeking opportunities for themselves and their family need to know that the people of Illinois are on their side.”

Executive Order 2019-07 calls for the Department of Human Services to expand access welcoming centers for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. In addition, state agencies are required to inform immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers of their rights and opportunities available to them in the state of Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam issued the following statement regarding Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive order calling for the enforcement of House Bill 40.

“I applaud Gov. Pritzker’s continued support of a woman’s right to choose,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “We need to ensure legislation is actually working once it is signed, and this executive order will do just that. I look forward to working with Gov. Pritzker and members of the Illinois General Assembly in taking the next steps to further protect and advance women's rights.”

Executive Order 2019-05 calls for a Department of Central Management Services review of the coverage in all state employee health insurance, then submitting a report to the governor detailing the coverage for abortion in each plan, specifically identifying where coverage is restrictive.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam released the following statement regarding the statewide gun dealer certification law that was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker this morning.

“Gun dealers have not been adequately regulated in the state of Illinois. If a hair dresser and a dog groomer need to be certified, then so should a gun dealer. This bill ensures that those who wish to sell firearms meet standards that are necessary to keeping the people of Illinois safe,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said.

Under the law, Illinois gun dealers will need certification by the Illinois State Police. It requires gun dealers to safely store firearms at all times, requires them to make copies of FOID cards or IDs and attach them to documentation detailing each gun sale, and requires employees to undergo annual training about the law and responsible business practices. It also requires gun dealers to open their place of business for inspection by state and local police.

“This is a critical step in addressing the epidemic of gun violence in our state,” Villivalam said. “By no means will this legislation solve all of our problems related to firearms, but it will make these weapons more difficult to acquire for those who wish to do harm. It is a crucial gun violence prevention measure.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam released the following statement regarding the governor’s executive orders and the law that were signed yesterday.

“After four years of attacks on working people from our previous governor, it is refreshing and long overdue that we enact progressive policies to better their lives,” Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “With these executive orders and the signing of SB 203 into law, Governor Pritzker has demonstrated that he is on the side of Illinois’ working families.”

Executive Order 2019-02 will no longer require potential State of Illinois employees to disclose their salary history due to salary disadvantages women have previously faced. It will also direct the Illinois Department of Labor to expedite all cases of wage theft in an effort to protect workers and hold malicious actors accountable.

In addition, the governor signed SB 203, a vital piece of legislation that protects workers’ wages and promotes diversity in companies that are contracted by the state. The Illinois Department of Labor will be required to release reports on the diversity of those employed on public works projects, and will be asked to make recommendations on how to increase employment of women and people of color.

“I appreciate the fact that the governor included pay equity and wage theft among his top priorities. I look forward to working with both my colleagues and the governor to enact other progressive policies, including the establishment of a $15 minimum wage in Illinois.”