CHICAGO- To enhance access for veterans seeking to add veteran status to their identification cards, State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Michael Kelly are partnering with the office of the Secretary of State to offer a mobile Department of Motor Vehicles.

“I am grateful for the sacrifice and service our veterans have provided to our nation. The least we can do is make the services they need more accessible to them,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I want to thank Secretary Giannoulias, Rep. Kelly, and Post 3579 for working with my office and me to make this event possible.”

The event will be held Friday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Niles Memorial VFW Post 3579, located at 7255 N. Caldwell Ave. in Niles. Attendees will have access to services including renewing their vehicle registration stickers, driver’s licenses and state identification cards, as well as adding veteran status to their identification cards.

Attendees are recommended to register prior to the event by calling Villivalam’s office at 872-208-5188 or Kelly’s office at 773-736-0218. Preference will be given to those who register prior to event.

“Although the Secretary of State has done a great job by expanding access to DMV locations, especially for seniors, we wanted to extend that accessibility to veterans who already frequent Post 3579 in Niles,” said Kelly (D-Chicago). “It can be difficult for veterans to prove they served in the military, and by adding the veterans status to their driver’s license or state IDs helps to make it easier when they need to prove military status.”

SPRINGFIELD - In continuation of an initiative from State Senator Ram Villivalam, five local chambers of commerce received funding to help support small businesses.

“Small businesses are an essential underpinning to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am honored to see that five of our local chambers were able to receive grants that will continue to invest into our vibrant communities.”

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the passage of the budget for Fiscal Year 2025.

“Building on the five balanced budgets that I have voted for and that have resulted in nine credit rating upgrades for our state, this year’s budget will continue on the mission of investing in our vibrant communities.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam helped lead a measure that makes changes to the Prisoner Review Board to further their training and resources when reviewing parole release decisions.

“It is imperative that we prioritize the safety of our communities while also making sure that individuals who are set to be released have been fully rehabilitated,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By addressing necessary changes to the Prisoner Review Board, we are only ensuring that the system works for everyone as a whole.”