Originally published in WAND on Feb. 16, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois nonprofit organizations could soon be eligible for state grant funding to build or renovate early childhood properties. A proposal in Springfield could expand the child care construction grants for non-public schools.

The Early Childhood Construction Grant Program was created in 2009 to provide state funding to help public schools and nonprofits give better learning environments for young kids.

Illinois awarded $45 million to community programs and public schools in 2011. Then, lawmakers earmarked $100 million for the program through the historic 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital spending plan.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide additional access to Illinois' Early Childhood Construction Grant program, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed legislation out of the Senate Education Committee that would make community-based not-for-profits eligible for $40 million in grant funds.

“Early childhood organizations provide necessary assistance to families across Illinois who are struggling to access child care resources,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With this legislation, we are able to provide opportunities for nonprofit organizations in our community to be eligible for grants that would significantly assist them with providing better learning environments for our youth.”

This new legislation, Senate Bill 2675, would remove a provision specifying that grants made in fiscal year 2024 could be awarded only to public school districts.

"On behalf of the 37 programs that make up JUF’s Early Childhood Collaborative, including the Bernard Horwich JCC, we know that access to infrastructure dollars is critical to building care environments that are accessible, safe, and promote healthy development,” said Amy Zimmerman, Assistant Vice President, State Government Affairs, Jewish United Fund.

CHICAGO – In an effort to lift the spirits of seniors in the 8th District, State Senator Ram Villivalam invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines.

“Writing a note or a card goes a long way toward supporting the seniors in our community,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We want to spread a little cheer this year and help uplift the spirits of seniors in our community, and I strongly encourage everyone who is able to send a card and join us in reminding them of how important they are to our community.”

Villivalam is encouraging community members in the area to write Valentine’s Day cards for local seniors, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various senior facilities in the 8th District.

The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Friday, Feb. 9. Those wishing to participate can drop off cards at Villivalam’s office or mail them to 3851 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659.

For more information, residents can contact Villivalam’s office at (872) 208-5188 or www.SenatorRam.com.

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­CHICAGO – Illinois formally implemented the nation's biggest reform to contractor redlining in public works law. The General Assembly passed, and Governor JB Pritzker certified on Dec. 8, House Bill 2878. Part of the new law is a larger exception from the requirement that contractors purchase wealth-based surety bonds on public contracts. The law tripled the exception for local governments (from $50K to $150K) and increased it by ten times for IDOT and the Tollway (from $50K to $500K). As of Jan. 1, 2024, contracts under that amount no longer will require surety bonds.

 “I am grateful to all the stakeholders for their work on this vital legislation which will remove barriers for small businesses, many of which are women, veteran, and minority owned," said Senator Villivalam. "This legislation will help make our state more equitable and assist agencies in completing projects more efficiently."

“We are over-insuring public contracts, leading to higher costs and locking out minority- and women-owned businesses from participating and growing, because insurance is priced on the wealth of the owner, not on his or her capabilities. Right-sizing insurance requirements like surety bonds will lead to more projects and more generational wealth for communities that need it the most.” said Representative Kam Buckner, who filed HB2482 that would have raised the contract exemption to $5,000,000. 

“We are leading the charge against redlining and paving the way for diverse contractors. This accomplishment is a national blueprint for progress. Here in Illinois, we’ve built and opened the road to fairness. This wouldn’t be possible without the Illinois Senate’s unwavering commitment to equality, and I’m proud of the work our caucus has done and the leadership provided by Senators Villivalam and Castro,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

Senate Bill 157 filed by Senator Villivalam and co-sponsored by Senators Peters, Fine, Hunter, Harris, Lightford and Castro would have raised the minimum contract value from $50,000 to $5,000,000.

“Ensuring access for minority businesses is foundational for a stronger, better Illinois. Surety bonds have locked out entrepreneurs who have the ability and know-how but not the wealth to work on public works projects. This is unacceptable and I’m delighted we are reducing this contractor redlining this year.” said Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.