SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam is spearheading a measure alongside the Illinois Secretary of State and AARP to reduce barriers seniors face when looking to renew their driver’s licenses.

“Our senior drivers are proven to be the safest drivers on the road, yet they are continuously burdened with some of the strictest driving test requirements in the nation,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We need to ensure that processes, such as renewing a license, continue to be accessible to all, especially for those who pose the least amount of risk to other drivers.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam is spearheading a measure aimed at providing schools with calendar dates indicating when a portion of students may be absent due to cultural or religious reasons ─ further assisting schools when scheduling major school or athletic events.

“Illinois is home to many diverse communities, which means portions of a student body may be absent due to a cultural or religious holiday at various times throughout the year,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “No student should have to worry about missing an important event, and providing our schools with this information is imperative.”

Through a new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, Illinois becomes the first state in the nation to require schools to offer halal and kosher food meal options, providing all students with equal access to meals served in schools.

“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”

CHICAGO — Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to hear from advocates and stakeholders about two pieces of legislation that would make changes to governance and address issues riders face.

“Given persistent delays and service gaps that riders face, it is important that we prioritize improvements to our public transit system,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today, we had the opportunity to hear from advocates and stakeholders about measures that would provide reliable, affordable, safe and coordinated transit to our region.”