Last week I met with advocates for after-school funding and stood with them in support of $50 million going toward our after-school programing. I say that it’s time to prioritize and value after-school programing. Two schools I represent serve primarily low-income and minority families and students who rely on these programs. It is imperative that we secure this funding for our working-class and middle-class families.

October 20, 2023:

Villivalam bill qequiring public schools to offer kosher and halal food options likely to come back during veto session: https://www.wgem.com/2023/10/20/bill-requiring-public-schools-state-facilities-offer-kosher-halal-food-options-likely-come-back-during-veto-session/

October 18, 2023:

State Sen. Ram Villivalam provided information and discussion around the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict: https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/israel-hamas-at-war-local-organizations-elected-officials-react/

Originally published in Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 12, 2022.

Illinois is set to drive $34.6 billion into improving roads, bridges, airports, transit, rail and ports across Illinois over the next six years.

The Illinois Department of Transportation released details of the multi-year investment program on Friday.

Gov. J.B Pritzker said the program would direct $20 billion of that toward transportation, including 2,500 miles of roads and almost 10 million square feet of bridge deck.

Another $10 billion will go toward the state’s rail and transit systems, airports and ports.

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.