CHICAGO - Two weeks after the first subject matter hearing on the state of public transit, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing on the accessibility and equity of public transit.

“Public transit needs to be accessible and equitable for all within our community as it bolsters the ability for everyone to reach essential resources such as health care, education and jobs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “As transit riders express their concerns of continued delays and lack of service, it is imperative to have these conversations to see how we can ensure that public transit works for all.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam led a recently signed law to make it easier for those who have completed a masonry program to receive college credit.

“Continuing to open doors to further one’s education is important, and we need to make sure that there are opportunities for all,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative we ensure people who chose to enter a trade program can also choose to continue their education at a community college.”

Villivalam’s law ensures that community colleges accept up to 30 credit hours transferred from a non-degree institution for finishing a masonry program. Currently there are 36 non-degree programs that can be approved, which include programs such as general carpentry, pharmacy technician and welding.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a law that will extend dependent accident and health insurance coverage benefits to now cover parents or stepparents.

“When someone is taking care of a parent who depends on them, it is not always easy to get ample health care coverage,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding the options of who can be considered a dependent under insurance policies ensures those who are caring for a parent can provide them with access to comprehensive and quality care through their current policy.”

This law requires group or individual policies of accident and health insurance that provide dependent coverage to make such coverage available to parents or stepparents of the insured individual.

SPRINGFIELD - To enhance the access and availability of crisis mental health care and bolster the emergency medical service workforce, State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a measure that expands educational opportunities for future paramedics in Illinois.

“No one should have to worry about whether they can receive the care they deserve when they are in a mental health crisis,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Making sure our first responders are able to provide the best care they can during these situations is vital.”

Currently, ambulance providers are facing an issue where payers do not authorize or reimburse for ambulance services in response to mental health situations. This law adds observations of a patient’s medical or mental health condition to the definition of clinical observations.