Ventura attends historic Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act signage

JOLIET —  State Senator Rachel Ventura – along with several state legislators – joined Governor JB Pritzker on Thursday to celebrate the signing of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, marking a historic measure to lower utility bills for working families while securing Illinois’ long-term energy future.

“The surge in the development of new data centers has put a tremendous strain on our communities by siphoning resources and driving up electricity costs for consumers,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).  “This law will offer much-needed relief by putting significant amounts of new energy into capacity markets and slowing the rapidly rising price hikes.”

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Ventura highlights conservation laws taking effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD -- Two laws spearheaded by State Senator Rachel Ventura will improve nature conservation efforts in the new year by expanding grant funding for forestry projects and paving the way for the implementation of rewilding strategies by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  

“These laws represent important steps forward in repairing the damage caused to the nature in our state by climate change and environmental destruction,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With these new measures in place, we can expect to see real improvement in the health and stability of our local ecosystems.”

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Ventura law allowing pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraception options starts Jan. 1

• Healthcare

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman that will expand the types of contraception pharmacists can dispense to include emergency contraception and non-hormonal options goes into effect Jan. 1.

“By increasing the types of contraceptives pharmacists are able to prescribe, including non-hormonal options, we are expanding health care accessibility that will allow every individual to make the best choice for their birth control,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These medications have been shown to be safe, effective, and essential for people who do not respond well to hormonal birth control options.”

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Ventura law improving clinical psychologist licensure requirements starts Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the licensing process for clinical psychologists in Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura partnered with State Representative Nabeela Syed on House Bill 3373, which goes into effect Jan. 1.

“New professionals are today entering into one of the toughest job markets in recent history,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This law will allow students to complete the educational portion of required exams even if they face delays in securing a training residency.”

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