SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam issued the following statement following the signing of legislation that would modernize Illinois’ infrastructure:

“For far too long we have let our state's transportation and infrastructure system fall by the wayside,” State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Skokie) said. “By passing this capital plan we’ve begun to address the serious need for investment.”

Since February, the Subcommittee on Capital traveled the state to learn about our construction needs directly from constituents. A wide range of municipalities, non-profits, advocacy groups, and more presented testimony at eight subcommittee hearings in Springfield, Edwardsville, Decatur, Peoria, Chicago, Elgin, and Grayslake.

“Over the course of the past few months I was fortunate to travel the state with my colleagues listening to different constituencies and what their infrastructure needs would look like,” Villivalam said. “The message was clear: our roads and bridges are crumbling, our trains need upgrading, and buildings across the state need repair. I am proud of the work we've done to address these challenges, cementing Illinois as a transportation hub and ensuring our roads are safe for residents.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation supported by State Senator Ram Villivalam that would allow for the legal purchase, possession, and taxation of cannabis was signed into law today.

“I am proud to have supported recreational cannabis legislation that has strong social and economic justice provisions,” Villivalam said. “From the research that undeniably illustrates that this is good public policy to the polling that shows that there is broad base of support from residents in the state of Illinois, legalizing cannabis makes sense for our state.”

House Bill 1438:
• Provides law enforcement with the funding and tools to oversee usage.
• Creates a legal industry that ensures minority participation with regard to both equity in ownership and quality employment.
• Expunges minor cannabis offenses to end the vicious cycle of the criminal justice system.
• Provides revenue to the state of Illinois.

The use and possession of cannabis in Illinois become legal Jan. 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam that would increase opportunities for state assistance to Asian-American families passed the Senate last night.

“I’m incredibly proud to announce the passage of legislation that can only stand to enhance the lives Asian-American families in Illinois,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “Much like the African American and Latino Family Commissions operating in the state, the goal of the Asian-American Family Commission is the same: to understand the needs of and better serve the their respective community.”

HB 3217 creates the Asian American Family Commission and would require the Commission to advise the Governor and General Assembly and work with state agencies to improve and expand existing policies, services, programs and opportunities for Asian American families.

“Through this Commission we will ensure that productive policies are being enacted and that Asian-American families are able to access state programs that are designed to ease the burden they face,” Villivalam said.

This legislation awaits the governor’s signature to become law.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to streamline the process of appointing a guardian for those children whose parents have been taken into federal immigration custody under an initiative by State Senator Ram Villivalam that passed the Senate today.

"Now more than ever, it is our duty at the state level to support immigrant families devastated by the White House's xenophobic immigration policies," Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "We need to do whatever is in our power to give parents and guardians at risk of detention or deportation peace of mind. They should have the power to choose who will care for their children should they be forcibly separated, ensuring their children are being taken care of in a safe, nurturing environment. It's the least we can do.”

HB 836 would allow a court to proceed on an appointment of a guardian of a minor if the parents are unable to give consent to the appointment. The appointee would be allowed to extend their guardianship for 365 days, if the administrative separation is ongoing. The petition for the appointment must include information about the case including the time of separation and the known location of the parents.

This legislation awaits the governor’s signature to become law.