Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that regulates auto insurance premiums in Illinois.

“Auto insurance are one of the most costly bills a consumer can pay – but people who rely on their car to get them to work, school and appointments can’t simply go without coverage,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It’s time we hold auto insurers accountable and implement policies that prevent unpredictable premium increases on working-class families.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ A new law spearheaded by State Senate Ram Villivalam will provide alternate learning pathways for schools selected as polling places.

“Voting is a fundamental right for citizens, and we need to continue to prioritize residents’ ability and access to cast their vote,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But we need to ensure community safety during the process, especially when a school is utilized as a polling place.”

Currently, if a school is selected to be a polling places, the school district is required to make the school available for use with the option of either closing the school or having only teachers present in the building during the time of polling.

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam led a new law that will ensure mental health support for educational staff – tackling the ongoing mental health crisis.

“Everyone deserves access to mental health care – including educational staff,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Education staff need additional support and access to resources to receive the care they deserve. It’s time we step up and break down barriers to access to quality, compassionate mental health care.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam backed a new law that will fast-track lead service line replacements in Illinois.

“Lead service lines pose a health hazard to our neighbors who rely on this infrastructure for clean, safe water,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “With roughly 400,000 lead service lines across Chicago alone, it is time we work to ensure these lines are replaced in a timely manner and prevent future public health risks.”

In April 2014, a switch in the municipal water supply source in Flint, Michigan caused water distribution pipes to corrode and leach lead and other contaminants into local drinking water. Residents started experiencing and reporting negative health and behavioral effects from lead exposure in their water, leading to local, state and national leaders declaring a state of emergency for the area.