CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka today:

“My heart is heavy with the loss of Richard Trumka. Millions of working people across the nation are grieving, as we have lost a pillar of the labor movement.

“Richard Trumka was a devoted fighter for working people who knew that when we stand together, we can make life better for ourselves and each other. His passing will be felt deeply by those in the AFL-CIO and all our brothers and sisters in labor.”

CHICAGO – In an effort to protect families from increased gun violence, a comprehensive gun safety and licensure modernization package sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) was signed into law today.

“This critical legislation will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people through implementing universal background checks, empowering partners in law enforcement to act before the next tragedy can occur, and dedicating life-saving mental health funding to communities most impacted by gun violence,” said Senator Villivalam.

CHICAGO – To keep immigrant drivers moving during bureaucratic delays, legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) that would allow the secretary of state to extend temporary driver’s licenses was signed into law today.

“Driver’s licenses, temporary or permanent, are licenses to work,” Villivalam said. “Working people in immigrant communities need to have reliable access to a driver’s license to continue providing for their families.”

SPRINGFIELD (July 9, 2021) -- Governor Pritzker signed the TEAACH Act (Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History) into law on Friday. The bill will make Illinois the first state to require a unit of Asian American history to be taught in public elementary and high schools.

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes and attacks on Asian Americans rose across the country, prompting advocacy groups and organizers to develop and champion this legislation over the past year.

The historic bill was introduced by State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Jennifer Gong Gershowitz, and was championed by Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago and a coalition of more than 35 organizations.