Ventura-led grant program for planting native greenery passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD - A measure led by State Senator Rachel Ventura providing grants to local governments for planting native trees and grasses in communities passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Planting native greenery in local communities is a small step that can have a massive impact in combatting the catastrophic effects of climate change,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Responsible stewardship of the environment starts right in our own backyards.”

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Ventura’s historic AI protection package heard in committee

SPRINGFIELD —A comprehensive package of legislation sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura aimed at protecting Illinois residents from the worst dangers of unchecked AI technology is set to be heard in the Senate AI and Social Media Subcommittee Thursday and Friday.

“As artificial intelligence technology expands and accelerates at an alarming rate, now is the time to set guardrails against potential abuses and damages before it’s too late,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These bills put people first by setting clear rules, increasing transparency and protecting consumers, workers and communities.”

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Ventura-backed medically assisted treatment program to address opiate overdose deaths heard in committee

SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura that would provide opiate use disorder treatments for incarcerated individuals was heard in the Senate Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee March 25.

“Overdoses are the leading cause of death among people returning to their communities after incarceration,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We need to address this crisis head-on by implementing programs that will screen individuals coming into prisons for substance use disorders on day one, provide immediate treatment for those who test positive, and give incarcerated people the support they need to build a healthy, safe, and drug-free life upon release.”

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Ventura joins advocates for press conference on plug-in solar legislation

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Rachel Ventura joined State Representative Daniel Didech, and clean energy advocates to launch a campaign to pass legislation she is sponsoring enabling plug-in solar in Illinois.

The Plug-In Illinois Act would unlock access to affordable solar power for millions of Illinoisans who cannot install rooftop solar – because they are renters, apartment dwellers, or can’t afford the upfront cost – by removing regulatory barriers to small scale plug-in or “balcony” solar units.

Senate Bill 3104 – also filed as House Bill 4524 in the House – would allow consumers to buy a certified solar system and plug it into a standard wall outlet. The effort would make Illinois one of the first states in the nation to enact plug-in solar following Utah, which passed plug-in solar legislation with unanimous bipartisan support last year. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and other states have introduced plug-in solar legislation as well.

“Today, we’re making clean energy more accessible and affordable while focusing on safety,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Plug-in solar is designed with strong safety protections and modern technology that meets rigorous standards, while giving people a real way to lower their electricity bills. Illinois has long been a leader in expanding access to clean energy solutions, and plug-in solar is the next step in that progress.”

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