­SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to conduct a review of revenue sources, equity and safety measures, and how to further improve our transportation system, spearheaded by Senate Transportation Committee chair Ram Villivalam, was signed into law on Friday.

“Illinois is working hard to continue finding new ways to improve our infrastructure,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With the help of this commission, we will find innovative ways to execute the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and find sources of funding for projects in the communities that need it most.”

­CHICAGO – Seniors and people with a disability will soon see their vehicle registration fee significantly reduced thanks to a new law supported by Senate Transportation Committee chair Ram Villivalam.

“Making driver services more affordable will improve equity across the state for all who use our roads,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am proud to support cost-savings measures like this for all our seniors and neighbors living with disabilities.”

House Bill 5304 reduces the vehicle registration fee from $24 to $10 for vehicle owners and their spouses who receive benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act. An individual qualifies for the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Property Tax Relief Act if they are 65 years of age or older or a person who is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental disability, and meet income requirements.

House Bill 5304 was signed into law on Friday, May 13 and is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – To make housing more accessible to low-income families, legislation to prevent property owners from discriminating against a prospective renter’s source of income, championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam, was signed into law on Monday.

"No one should be denied housing when they have the means to make the rent,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This measure will protect individuals on government assistance, single mothers receiving child support and seniors on fixed incomes who may have been turned away from housing in the past.”

Originally published on India News Times on May 16, 2022.

In its 30th year of existence, the Metropolitan Asian Family Services or MAFS for short, celebrated the anniversary May 14, 2022. The event also celebration May as Asian American Heritage month. The event was held at the new MAFS office on Devon Avenue.

Organizers said in a press release that it was a “grand success.”

Starting with the Ganesh Vandana, a prayer performed by Srividya and Varsha from Malhar Dance Academy, the event included American and Indian anthems sung by Gauri Yadav and Dr. Sonal Patel respectively.

The lamp-lighting ceremony was led by Executive Director Dr. Santosh Kumar with all the dignitaries.

Prominent attendees included Illinois State Senator of District 28, Laura Murphy who commended MAFS for the work it does in the Asian American community. Illinois State Senator of 8th District Ram Villivalam said MAFS is a very positive influence in his district and he is ecstatic about the opening of the new location to help more seniors with services.