CHICAGO – Three months after Governor JB Pritzker vetoed a bill that would provide halal and kosher food options to students upon request in Illinois public schools in addition to those options being available at state facilities and the University of Illinois Hospital, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a measure that was agreed upon by stakeholders and the governor.

“I am proud of our collaborative work to make the technical changes requested by the governor to ensure the successful implementation of this legislation,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal. Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs and feel included.”

Villivalam worked alongside the governor to pass an agreed-upon bill that will provide culturally appropriate lunches to those who request.

“This bill will allow students to have halal and kosher lunch options regardless of where they reside in the state of Illinois,” said State Representative Kevin Olickal (D-Skokie). “This is yet another example of Illinois' commitment to being a welcoming and accepting state.”

Specifically in public schools, the legislation would require the Illinois State Board of Education to enter into statewide master contracts from vendors across the state and give school districts access to the contract so they can more efficiently provide meals to students.

Entering Year Five of Rebuild Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced multiple projects in the northern Cook County area are planned or underway, highlighting an ongoing commitment made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan capital program. Eight major projects represent a total investment of more than $40 million, improving safety, mobility and quality of life while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“Rebuild Illinois is revitalizing communities and neighborhoods by investing in projects and people in the northern Cook County area and throughout the state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Through the largest capital program in state history, IDOT will be delivering improvements to build a more resilient, accessible and equitable system of transportation for generations to come, while creating jobs and enhancing local quality of life.”

The eight projects are all scheduled to be completed between through 2025:

Following the vote to approve the report put together by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) on how to provide reliable, safe, accessible, affordable, and environmentally conscious public transit on the CTA, Metra, and PACE in the RTA region, State Senator Ram Villivalam shared his thoughts on the importance of a robust public transit system and the next steps to achieve that goal.

"The stakes are too high for us not to fully review and comprehend and act on this report," said Villivalam (D-Chicago). "We need a robust discussion — it's what our constituents have asked us for. I would imagine we would be holding meetings and committee hearings over the next year for people to testify as to their beliefs and positions on some of these issues.”

CMAP adopted the proposal last Wednesday, a plan that included options to change the governance, improve service, provide stable funding, and adopt a more regional mindset.

To read more about the CMAP proposal and how transportation may look in Chicago, take a look at the Daily Herald’s article. 

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Dear Neighbor,

As state legislators, we do not typically make statements on international issues. This weekend, however, our community was profoundly shaken, saddened, and enraged by the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians. Witnessing the devastating loss of innocent lives in the Middle East and knowing that many of our community members are grappling with worry and anguish for their loved ones, we found it necessary to address this deeply troubling situation.

Let us be clear. We wholeheartedly and unequivocally condemn the heinous terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas.

There is nothing that justifies cruel violence. We are hopeful that there is a path forward to end terrorism, to achieve peace, and for no more blood to be shed.

We know that this is an incredibly difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices if we can help in any way. Senator Villivalam’s office can be reached at (872) 208-5188 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Representative Olickal’s office can be reached at (847) 673-1131 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ram Villivalam

IL State Senator (D-08)