SPRINGFIELD - To create continued opportunities in higher education for immigrants, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure to expand pathways for an individual to be eligible for in-state tuition.

“Higher education provides a wide array of opportunities, and sometimes the only thing standing in the way is affordability,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “When you broaden the ways one can qualify for in-state tuition, you give so many more a chance to achieve their educational goals.”

Under Villivalam’s measure, an individual could obtain in-state tuition by being an Illinois resident prior to enrolling in the respective university, be a high school graduate from a school within Illinois, or have attended a high school within Illinois for at least two years prior to enrollment.

Another option would be for the individual to have either attended a high school in Illinois, attended a private or public community college within Illinois, or a combination of college and high school in Illinois for at least two years with a cumulative total of three years before enrolling at the university. They also must have graduated from a high school, earned an associate’s degree, or completed at least 60 credit hours of graded and transferable coursework at a public community college.

Both pathways would require the individual to swear and affirm to the respective university that they will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at their earliest opportunity, if they are not already a permanent resident or citizen.

“Expanding in-state tuition pathways breaks down barriers, especially for our working families,” said Villivalam. “This measure can help make higher education a reality for many, which is a step in the right direction to continue enriching and investing in our communities.”

Senate Bill 461 passed the Senate in a bipartisan fashion, where it now awaits a vote in the House.

SPRINGFIELD - To create continued opportunities in higher education for immigrants, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure out of the Senate Higher Education Committee to expand pathways for an individual to be eligible for in-state tuition.

“Expanding eligibility pathways for in-state tuition is vital to providing affordable and accessible higher education for all people within our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is important to continue diversifying avenues to access higher education to ensure a talented workforce in the state of Illinois.”

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SPRINGFIELD – To provide additional access to the Grant Program for Exonerated Persons, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation through the Senate that would allow unused program benefits to be passed on to a child or spouse.

“Wrongful convictions impact not only the previously convicted individual, but also their families,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding program benefits for a child or spouse helps make up for the loss of resources that was felt due to the conviction.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam released the following statement after the Senate confirmed the appointment of Heidi Mueller as Director of the Department of Child and Family Services:

“Ensuring that youth and families across the state have access to services and programs provided through the Department of Child and Family Services is vital. It is equally as vital to have a director that understands and prioritizes the needs of our state’s most vulnerable children."

“Heidi Mueller’s knowledge of compassionate care and understanding of promoting positive youth outcomes will be a breath of fresh air for DCFS."

“I am committed to working with her to uplift ideas to address the monumental challenges facing the agency.”