CHICAGO ─ To show appreciation and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Ram Villivalam is collecting cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Valentine’s cards serve as a reminder that we are seen, heard and cared for,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “I am excited to join community members in spreading joy this season to local senior residents thanks to continued participation in our card collection drive.”

CHICAGO ─ Thanks to strong support from State Senator Ram Villivalam, the 8^th District received a combined total of $1.2 million from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Local parks are an essential part of our community – connecting neighbors to nature and increasing recreational activity opportunities” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By investing into the future of our parks, we are ensuring residents continue to be a safe space for all to enjoy.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law providing necessary reforms and historic investments to address the public transit fiscal cliff and issues facing the system in Illinois.

“Riders, transit workers, and stakeholders from the business, labor, environmental, and urban planning sectors told my colleagues and I for years about the challenges and opportunities that exist with our public transit systems,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Their concerns were the same ones I see each time I have used public transit myself – delays, ghost buses or lack of service. The status quo wasn’t working. It was time to make a change in order for people to get their school, job, and/or doctor’s appointment in a safe, reliable, and accessible way.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam supported a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“Our seniors deserve to be supported – not worry about being priced out of their homes due to increasing property taxes in their neighborhood,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Through this measure, we are supporting our seniors by providing the necessary relief needed to ensure they are able to stay in our communities without a high price tag.”