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.”

Originally published on WGEM on March 30, 2022.

QUINCY (WGEM) - A proposal in Springfield could add fair housing protections to the state’s Human Rights Act.

Illinois Senate Democrats say this could stop discrimination against people trying to get affordable housing based on their legal source of income.

This change could apply to veterans paying for housing with veterans benefits or other housing vouchers. Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) said it would also benefit single mothers paying to house their families with child support or alimony payments.