Originally published on Pantagraph on March 29, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers have formed the Illinois Assyrian Caucus in an effort to help them understand and learn about challenges facing the Assyrian community and how to address them.

Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, announced the formation of the caucus at a news conference in early March. The caucus has 18 founding members from the Senate and House, including 17 Democrats and one Republican. Villivalam will serve as co-chair alongside Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview.

“I look at our role as a caucus as working with the community to ensure that their voice is heard and that they have a seat at the table when we have policy discussions,” Villivalam said.

­SPRINGFIELD – To better meet the needs of Illinois’ Indian American population, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) advanced legislation in the Senate State Government Committee 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 – With support staff in community living facilities facing high turnover rates and low wages, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) joined advocates to support legislation to increase pay for these frontline workers.

“For too long, the funding meant for essential workers has not reached their wallets,” Villivalam said. “The staff who care for our most vulnerable neighbors deserve a living wage, and I stand with them in calling for better and fairer working conditions.”

­SPRINGFIELD – With Illinois seeing historic investment in infrastructure, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, advanced legislation to conduct a review revenue sources, equity and safety measures, and how to further improve our transportation system.

“Illinois is working hard to find new ways to improve our infrastructure,” Villivalam said. “With the help of this commission, we can find innovative sources of funding for projects in the communities that need it most.”