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SPRINGFIELD ─ A new law led by State Senator Ram Villivalam will increase transparency when utility companies ask the Illinois Commerce Commission to raise their rates.

“The cost of living continues to skyrocket in every aspect of our lives, including utilities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By providing ratepayers the ability to have a voice in the process and be informed of rate increases, we are securing a more affordable future for us all.”

Currently, public hearings are only required for water utility rate increases if the ratepayers of the water utility request the ICC to host a public hearing.

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 spending plan:

“I am proud to support a spending plan that prioritizes affordability for working-class families, invests into the future of our youth, supports seniors, and people with disabilities.

“Through this spending plan, we secured a wage increase for home service professionals who work tirelessly to help our loved ones, kept our commitment to funding public education for our youth and made sure neighbors don’t go hungry with EBT payments for those who have lost SNAP benefits.

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge with a new measure that would allow rideshare drivers, such as those who drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, to unionize.

“Unions are the backbone of our workforce, ensuring laborers are supported and afforded strong workers’ rights, environments and benefits. Rideshare drivers are an important part of our transportation infrastructure – yet they currently lack the ability to negotiate for better wages, benefits and working conditions,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure Illinois continues to be a leader in labor rights and pave the way to bolster a growing part of our workforce, economy and transportation network who are facing decreased wages, increased vehicle costs and unfair working conditions.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure through the Senate to streamline implementation of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.

 “The Northern Transit Authority Act is a historic, transformative law securing the future of world-class public transit in Illinois, but our work shouldn’t stop there,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With June 1 quickly approaching, it is imperative that we continue to work and ensure streamlined implementation throughout the transition to NITA.”