SPRINGFIELD – A law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Nabeela Syed expands eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Home energy is an essential resource that no one should have to go without,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By expanding the eligibility, we are ensuring everyone has access to programs that keep their energy costs affordable.”

The new law allows people to apply for LIHEAP if they live in subsidized housing, their rental expenses are less than 30% of their household income and their energy bill is paid as a portion of their rent.

CHICAGO - With public transit in the RTA region approaching a budget deficit in 2026, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing on Tuesday regarding the state of public transit and how it supports the local economy.

“Today, we were able to have crucial and robust conversations about the current state of public transit and its relation to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Many key stakeholders, from the agencies to business and labor groups, were able to share their insights as to how we can maintain and improve service, and what we can do to underpin a vibrant economy.”

CHICAGO –  State Senator Ram Villivalam –  a longtime public transit advocate, and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee – will host a number of hearings throughout the coming months to discuss the state of public transit, ranging from how it positively impacts our economic and public health system to the service improvements that need to take place to better serve our communities.

“In order to provide a public transit system that works for our people, we have to collaboratively discuss how it can better serve our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “These hearings will serve as a place for these conversations to occur, and ensure we are working toward the common goal of providing safe, reliable, accessible, economically impactful, and environmentally conscious transportation for all.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam led the charge on a new law that ensures options for those seeking a correction to information on a birth certificate.

“No one should have to be in a situation where their important documents do not reflect who they are,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It was imperative that we streamlined the process for when someone is seeking such changes.”

Currently, if someone has a birth certificate issued by a different state or country, the person would have to secure a lawyer in that state or country and travel to make the change to the document.