CHICAGO - Third in a series of subject matter hearings, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing Friday on the state of public transit and how it supports community quality of life.

“Public transit transforms the lives of our communities, neighbors and families by connecting them to essential resources – giving us a higher quality of life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By having these conversations, we are able to identify and see how transit supports various areas of our lives, and what work can be done to build upon this support.”

SPRINGFIELD — A law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam expands the list of documents an employee can request from their employer and the manner in which they can request them, to ensure workplace transparency.

“Continuing to support workers and their rights within the workplace is important,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This law ensures there are continued improvements within the workplace that benefit those who need it.”

CHICAGO - Two weeks after the first subject matter hearing on the state of public transit, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing on the accessibility and equity of public transit.

“Public transit needs to be accessible and equitable for all within our community as it bolsters the ability for everyone to reach essential resources such as health care, education and jobs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “As transit riders express their concerns of continued delays and lack of service, it is imperative to have these conversations to see how we can ensure that public transit works for all.”

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Ram Villivalam led a recently signed law to make it easier for those who have completed a masonry program to receive college credit.

“Continuing to open doors to further one’s education is important, and we need to make sure that there are opportunities for all,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative we ensure people who chose to enter a trade program can also choose to continue their education at a community college.”

Villivalam’s law ensures that community colleges accept up to 30 credit hours transferred from a non-degree institution for finishing a masonry program. Currently there are 36 non-degree programs that can be approved, which include programs such as general carpentry, pharmacy technician and welding.