Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura
  • Home
  • |
  • News
    • My Bills & Committees
    • Press Releases
    • Press Coverage
  • |
  • Bio
  • |
  • 43rd District
  • |
  • Issues
    • Criminal Justice Reform
    • Environmental Issues
      • Carbon Capture and Storage
      • Coal Ash Ponds
      • PFAS
    • Infrastructure
  • |
  • Contact Us
    • E-Newsletter
    • Legislative Policy Proposals
    • Museum Card Sign Up
  • |
  • Budget
  • |
  • Grants
  • |
  • Resources
    • Bereavement Guide
    • Community Gardens
    • Food Pantries
    • Hotlines
    • Mental Health Services

Illinois to implement rewilding strategies under new Ventura law, revitalizing ecosystems statewide

Details
Friday, August 01, 2025 09:06 PM
  • Rewilding
  • HB2726
  • Conservation

052225CM1526

SPRINGFIELD – To support ongoing efforts aimed at protecting and revitalizing local landscapes and ecosystems, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Anna Moeller partnered on House Bill 2726 to give the Illinois Department of Natural Resources more authority to implement conservation tactics to create new rewilding strategies statewide.

“By creating a holistic rewilding strategy for the state, we can see landscapes restored to their previous state — a major win for the environment and their local ecosystems,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Over the last few decades, countless species of wild animals and plant life have been reduced significantly or completely lost to human activity, making this legislation timely and critically needed.”

Read more …

Ventura announces $25 million pre-apprenticeship program to support blue collar jobs

Details
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 06:26 PM

20250507KP1033.JPG

JOLIET – In the face of high inflation and a tough job market, State Senator Rachel Ventura announced the next round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has opened applications.

“This pre-apprenticeship program is bringing equitable career opportunities to vulnerable communities both in my district and across the state” said Ventura (D-Joliet) “Blue collar jobs can provide rewarding careers and good wages to people who need to support their families. Rather than writing off the Rust Belt we need to bring back our blue collar labor pool to build the bright future Illinoisans deserve.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups – including people of color, veterans, and women in the construction trades. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services, to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program increases economic opportunity for all Illinoisans,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Our state’s workforce is our biggest strength, and the Illinois Works Program is preparing more Illinoisans for jobs in construction and building trades. I encourage all eligible entities to apply for this round of funding.” 

Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31. To learn more and apply for the grant, visit DCEO’s website.

Ventura announces $390,000 coming to 43rd District for tourism projects

Details
Thursday, July 03, 2025 03:17 PM
  • Grants
  • Tourism
  • Route 66

route 66

JOLIET– State Senator Rachel Ventura secured $390,000 to boost local tourism in the 43rd District through the Route 66 Grant Program.

“Tourism is an essential part of our community as it supports our small businesses, enhances our workforce and boosts our local economy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Supporting and securing grants such as these will continue to ensure Route 66 travelers will be able to enjoy all it has to offer and learn more about its history and significance.”

Read more …

Ventura announces over $475,000 in grants awarded to local libraries

Details
Wednesday, July 02, 2025 06:28 PM
  • Grants
  • Library

Library. Bookshelves with books and textbooks. Learning and education concept. (iStock)

JOLIET – Thanks her advocacy efforts, State Senator Rachel Ventura announced over $475,000 will be coming to local libraries across the 43rd District through the Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.

“Our public libraries are an integral part of our community ─ connecting residents to critical services, resources and opportunities,” said Ventura (D- Joliet) “We need to continue to support their ability to serve the needs of our community through their programs, facilities and staff as it improves the lives of residents.” 

Read more …

More Articles …

  1. Ventura condemns out-of-state police unlawfully tracking women in Illinois
  2. Ventura encourages Joliet residents to speak out on Nicor Gas rate hike proposal
  3. Ventura leads resolution to declare Race Amity Day in Illinois
  4. Ventura measure to expand grant funding for forest plans and canopies
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

Page 1 of 52

Welcome

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 43rd Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly. On this website, you can learn a little bit about me, my record in the General Assembly, and the services I can provide you.

I always welcome feedback from my constituents, so if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Senator Rachel Ventura

Senator Rachel Ventura

Enewsletter Sign-up


By completing this form, you are authorizing us to send regular e-mail updates to your e-mail account.
(* - Required field)

summer book club

Museum Pass Sign Up Form

Follow Sen. Ventura

facebookinstagramtwitter

Office Info

District Office:
221 Springfield Ave., Unit 3
Joliet, IL 60435
(331) 290-0443
(815) 240-9057 [TEXT]

Springfield Office:
119B Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8800

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home