JOLIET — State Senator Rachel Ventura has opened applications to her Page for a Day program for high school students in the 43^rd district. This program gives students the opportunity to participate in the legislative process and gain firsthand insight into the day-to-day functions of state government.

“Civic engagement among young people is something we should be encouraging and supporting however we can,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Not only will students who participate in this program get an up-close-and-personal view of state lawmaking, they’ll also gain valuable experience that will give them an advantage in their further education and future careers.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Ventura backed a property tax relief package to provide relief to senior citizens in Illinois. The bill will increase the exemption thresholds for consideration of a freeze.

“Americans are increasingly feeling the burden of rising home and rent prices, and seniors on fixed incomes are at particular risk of being priced out of their homes,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation expands eligibility for property tax breaks to more seniors and reduces their risk of foreclosure and homelessness.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Venture led a measure through the Senate to transfer approximately 139 acres of land in Joliet to the Forest Preserve District of Will County following reports of misuse by nearby residents.

"This transfer will bring much-needed oversight and cleanup to land that has been neglected for too long," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "Management by the forest preserve will not only enforce proper use of the land, but will also expand access and accountability to the local community."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is voting against the re-appointment of Illinois Department of Corrections Director Latoya Hughes amid ongoing health issues, human rights violations, and safety concerns in Illinois prisons.

“Director Hughes’ leadership at IDOC has failed to prioritize the health and safety of both staff and incarcerated populations in our prison system,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We have seen too many alarming incidents during her tenure that have gone unaddressed, from human rights violations to the deaths of incarcerated individuals.”