SPRINGFIELD - To enhance the access and availability of crisis mental health care and bolster the emergency medical service workforce, State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a measure that expands educational opportunities for future paramedics in Illinois.

“No one should have to worry about whether they can receive the care they deserve when they are in a mental health crisis,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Making sure our first responders are able to provide the best care they can during these situations is vital.”

Currently, ambulance providers are facing an issue where payers do not authorize or reimburse for ambulance services in response to mental health situations. This law adds observations of a patient’s medical or mental health condition to the definition of clinical observations.

SPRINGFIELD – A law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Nabeela Syed expands eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“Home energy is an essential resource that no one should have to go without,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By expanding the eligibility, we are ensuring everyone has access to programs that keep their energy costs affordable.”

The new law allows people to apply for LIHEAP if they live in subsidized housing, their rental expenses are less than 30% of their household income and their energy bill is paid as a portion of their rent.

CHICAGO - With public transit in the RTA region approaching a budget deficit in 2026, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing on Tuesday regarding the state of public transit and how it supports the local economy.

“Today, we were able to have crucial and robust conversations about the current state of public transit and its relation to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Many key stakeholders, from the agencies to business and labor groups, were able to share their insights as to how we can maintain and improve service, and what we can do to underpin a vibrant economy.”

Originally published in IndicaNews on July, 2 2024

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU- Mohandas Gandhi, an Indian born Britain certified Barrister-in-Law, went to South Africa in 1893 to resolve a property dispute between two Indian-Muslim Gujarati traders, Dada Abdulla Seth and his relative, THK Mohamed. The South Africa Court system needed a British trained Gujarati lawyer.

On June 7,1893, Gandhi was traveling in the First-Class Compartment of the train from Durban to Charleston on the way to Pretoria to attend the legal case proceedings. At 9 PM that Wednesday night, he was thrown away from the train at the Maritzburg Train Station, because only white people could travel in the First-Class compartments.