­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam was appointed to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Policy Tuesday.

“I am proud to sit on this commission and am eager to begin working with industry experts, colleagues in the General Assembly and the governor’s office on finding innovative ways to continue to improve our infrastructure in a safe, accessible and affordable way.” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Policy was established by legislation introduced by Senator Villivalam during the spring legislative session. Senate Bill 1233, which was signed into law in May, creates the commission to seek out alternative funding mechanisms for projects and operations. The commission is also tasked with researching current and future workforce needs, safety improvements, racial equity and how to expand multi-modal transportation networks.

Illinois has an extensive transportation network that ranks third in the nation for roadway miles and bridges. With over 127,000 miles of road, nearly 29,000 bridges and 17 major airports to maintain, funds from the gas tax are crucial to operating and maintaining our transportation system.

“As the use of electric vehicles increases, I am committed to working in a bipartisan way to implement a holistic approach to funding our transportation infrastructure,” said Villivalam.

The commission’s full report will be presented to the General Assembly for review by Jan. 31, 2023.

­CHICAGO – With carjackings and shootings on the rise on Illinois’ expressways, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported two new laws to help law enforcement crack down on these crimes.

“Commuters deserve to know they are safe when they use any of Illinois’ 15,969 miles of highways,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Allowing law enforcement to coordinate and address these crimes is the first step to protecting drivers.”

CHICAGO – To address rising vehicle and parts thefts in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported three measures to protect drivers that were signed into law last week.

“Protecting commuters from theft and carjacking is a top priority,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “As these crimes increase in number and organization, we must do all we can to reduce the market for stolen parts and provide support to victims.”

CHICAGO – To make essential health services accessible to immigrant and refugee communities, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported a measure to expand Medicaid-like benefits to non-citizens down to age 42 that was signed into law on Friday.

“As we were reminded over the course of the pandemic, our collective public health requires that all our neighbors be covered, regardless of immigrant status,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding health care coverage to as many people as possible will keep all our communities safe and healthy as we continue to recover.”