Originally published on KPVI Channel 6 on Jan. 27, 2022.

Nutrient loss is one of the most serious pollution threats faced in the U.S., causing a Rhode Island-sized dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, poisoning local lakes and streams and causing serious health problems for people and domesticated animals.

This year, Illinois lawmakers are considering how to best direct state resources to help reduce nutrient runoff, particularly in the agriculture sector and suburban sewage runoff.

Originally published on Journal-Topics on Jan. 24, 2022.

Niles-Maine District Library trustees imposed a hiring freeze in May and have seen a steady attrition of library employees since then. The library’s reduced staffing has also caught the attention of local state senators, state representatives, and a county commissioner, who called on trustees to end the freeze.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-8th) read a letter during public comment at the library’s Wednesday, Jan. 18 board of trustees meeting, also signed by State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-10th), State Rep. Marty Moylan (D-55th), State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-19th), Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-13th) and Niles Township Democratic Committeeperson Josina Morita.

CHICAGO – To bring working people back into the job market, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is leading an initiative to offer businesses a tax credit to hire employees who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over one and a half million people across Illinois have filed for unemployment since the start of the pandemic,” Villivalam said. “We must do right by working people and our small business community by incentivizing growth during this difficult time.”

CHICAGO – Airline employees may use sick time to care for family members now that legislation sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) was signed into law Friday.

“Access to paid family and medical leave is essential for the future of work,” Villivalam said. “Airline workers shouldn’t have to choose between caring for sick loved ones and keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads.”

House Bill 106 amends the Employee Sick Leave Act by removing a line that exempted airline employees from coverage. This change allows these workers to use already-earned sick time to care for sick family members.