SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Ram Villivalam will introduce more water safety instructions into school curriculum for youth in preschool through sixth-grade following a recent tragedy that occurred in the 8^th District.

“With water safety instruction, more of our youth and families will be equipped with the tools to protect themselves and others,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This legislation is an important step toward saving lives and ensuring better water safety education across the state.”

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children age 5-14 after car accidents, and at age 15, drowning rates triple. For every fatal child drowning, another eight children receive emergency care for non-fatal drowning injuries.

"Today marks a turning point in our children's safety," said State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago). "We promised to provide comprehensive water safety education, and we delivered. I'm thankful to Governor Pritzker for joining us in this effort by signing this legislation into law earlier today."

Villivalam’s measure seeks to prevent as many of these deaths as possible by beginning water safety instruction in preschool.

SPRINGFIELD – In an attempt to ensure small contractors and firms have access to bid opportunities with the state, an amended version of State Senator Ram Villivalam’s bill, Senate Bill 157, that reforms the bond process and paves the way for more diversity in state contracting was included in a legislative package.

“Leveling the playing field so smaller bidders can do business with the state is an important part of the commerce process,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This legislation is a significant step toward diversifying the field so the public works bid process is more equitable for smaller contractors in Illinois.”

House Bill 2878 raises the surety bond threshold for the next five years so bidders on projects under $150,000 have an easier time gaining contracts. The measure gives local governments the ability to contract on the smaller projects without a surety bond, but it also gives them the tools to require a bond for a project under $150,000 if it is passed by ordinance or resolution.

House Bill 2878 passed both chambers of the General Assembly on Wednesday.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a measure Wednesday supporting water safety instruction incorporated into school curriculum from preschool through sixth-grade following a recent tragedy that occurred in the 8^th District.

“With water safety instruction, more of our youth and families will be equipped with the tools to protect themselves and others,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This legislation is an important step toward saving lives and ensuring better water safety education across the state.”

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children age 5-14 after car accidents, and at age 15, drowning rates triple. For every fatal child drowning, another eight children receive emergency care for non-fatal drowning injuries. Villivalam’s measure seeks to prevent as many of these deaths as possible by beginning water safety instruction in preschool.

“Drowning is the number one reason a child will die before kindergarten and the number two killer for all of childhood,” said Halle Quezada, a teacher and mother who lives in the district Villivalam represents. “When my four-year-old had fire safety in school, she was eager to make sure our whole family knew how to survive a fire. With this bill, we hope Illinois families will have water safety plans too and we can finally reverse these terrifying statistics.”

MORTON GROVE – State Senator Ram Villivalam joined Pace and local officials Friday to celebrate the launch of the newest addition to Pace’s growing rapid transit network, the Pulse Dempster Line, which offers passengers a fast and reliable service. The service began daily operations on Sunday, Oct. 29.

“Our public transit system is the lifeblood of our economy, from the suburbs to the city, and beyond,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am grateful to the leadership and staff of Pace for their work in taking another major step to ensure that our public transit system is reliable, accessible, affordable, and environmentally conscious for all our residents.”

“Ridership is already up approximately 7% compared to last year, a promising statistic which shows that faster, more frequent service is a key part of bringing riders back to transit and attracting new passengers,” said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski.