Originally published on India News Times on May 16, 2022.

In its 30th year of existence, the Metropolitan Asian Family Services or MAFS for short, celebrated the anniversary May 14, 2022. The event also celebration May as Asian American Heritage month. The event was held at the new MAFS office on Devon Avenue.

Organizers said in a press release that it was a “grand success.”

Starting with the Ganesh Vandana, a prayer performed by Srividya and Varsha from Malhar Dance Academy, the event included American and Indian anthems sung by Gauri Yadav and Dr. Sonal Patel respectively.

The lamp-lighting ceremony was led by Executive Director Dr. Santosh Kumar with all the dignitaries.

Prominent attendees included Illinois State Senator of District 28, Laura Murphy who commended MAFS for the work it does in the Asian American community. Illinois State Senator of 8th District Ram Villivalam said MAFS is a very positive influence in his district and he is ecstatic about the opening of the new location to help more seniors with services.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after voting to pass the state’s FY23 budget and tax relief plan:

“This year’s tax relief plan makes critical investments in working families with an increased Earned Income Tax Credit that, for the first time, will be available to taxpayers regardless of immigrant status. According to Economic Security for Illinois this will put a projected $7.4 million back in the pockets of the more than 16,000 earned income filers that live in our district.

“Keeping our commitment to equitably funding schools, the evidence-based school funding formula will provide an additional $350 million for K-12 education to drive student success in every community.

“With gun violence on the rise in our communities, we are putting $235 million toward proactive measures to curb gun violence under the Reimagine Public Safety Act. It also invests millions of dollars to support public safety measures that will prevent these tragedies from happening.

“Our budget considers the struggles that working people have faced throughout the pandemic and prioritizes those most in need of relief.”

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.”

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