SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after voting to pass the state’s FY23 budget and tax relief plan:

“This year’s tax relief plan makes critical investments in working families with an increased Earned Income Tax Credit that, for the first time, will be available to taxpayers regardless of immigrant status. According to Economic Security for Illinois this will put a projected $7.4 million back in the pockets of the more than 16,000 earned income filers that live in our district.

“Keeping our commitment to equitably funding schools, the evidence-based school funding formula will provide an additional $350 million for K-12 education to drive student success in every community.

“With gun violence on the rise in our communities, we are putting $235 million toward proactive measures to curb gun violence under the Reimagine Public Safety Act. It also invests millions of dollars to support public safety measures that will prevent these tragedies from happening.

“Our budget considers the struggles that working people have faced throughout the pandemic and prioritizes those most in need of relief.”

SPRINGFIELD – Sports fans may soon have additional options for special license plates thanks to legislation by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that passed the Illinois Senate Thursday.

“Showing support for your favorite team will now include our fine soccer and basketball teams,” Villivalam said. “These license plates will provide additional revenue for the state while showcasing the teams that drive our success.”

House Bill 4434 authorizes the Illinois Secretary of State to issue special license plates for the Chicago Sky, Chicago Red Stars and the Chicago Fire. Other professional sports teams with special plates include the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.

House Bill 4434 passed the Illinois Senate and awaits the governor’s signature before becoming law.

SPRINGFIELD – To better meet the needs of Illinois’ Indian American population, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to create the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council.

“As the son of Indian immigrants, I am committed to doing all I can to make Illinois the most welcoming state,” Villivalam said. “This council will uplift Indian voices and ensure all of the diverse communities that contribute to our state’s success have a seat at the table.”

SPRINGFIELD – To make housing more accessible to low-income families, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) passed legislation from the Illinois Senate to prevent property owners from discriminating against a prospective renter’s source of income.

“No one should be denied housing when they have the means to make the rent,” Villivalam said. “Too often, individuals on government assistance, single mothers receiving child support or seniors on fixed incomes are turned away solely based on where they receive their income each month.”