Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura

Ventura highlights recent expansion of high-speed internet access across Illinois

Details: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 05:57 PM

State Senator Rachel Ventura

JOLIET – Since taking office, State Senator Rachel Ventura has been an advocate for the expansion of broadband across the state focusing on access and reliability for all Illinoisans. Illinois was recently approved to receive $1.04 billion in funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support high-speed internet access statewide. This funding will connect approximately 350,000 residents by 2031.

“It today’s day and age, access to reliable high-speed internet is essential to everyday life,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Every single Illinois resident relies on high-speed internet, no matter where they live in the state. Continued investment into the broadband network is necessary to ensure everyone has reliable access to high-speed internet.”

Ventura encourages municipalities, park districts to apply for IDNR grant

Details: Monday, August 17, 2026 03:05 PM

Grants
Parks

Sen. Ventura at Local Park Ribbon Cutting

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura is urging districts and municipalities throughout the 43rdDistrict to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space land Acquisition and Development grant before the Aug. 31 deadline.

“Parks are the heartbeat of our community, not only for connection with our neighbors, but also for the crucial environmental impacts,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Continued investment in our parks is necessary to ensure these green spaces remain open and available to all who want to utilize them.”

Ventura announces additional funding for literacy programs

Details: Friday, August 14, 2026 02:51 PM

Sen. Ventura at Local Library

JOLIET - State Senator Rachel Ventura announced $126,000 will be awarded to two District 43 organizations thanks to funds appropriated by Senator Ventura and the federal Library Services and Technology Act.

“Everyone has the right to obtain basic literacy skills, and these literacy grants ensures those programs are available to anyone who wishes to partake,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Illinois Workers in Action and Joliet Junior College are committed to ensuring that children and adults have access to programs that improve essential skills.”

Ventura announces $119,600 state grant for Lockport industrial site development

Details: Friday, August 07, 2026 02:09 PM

JOLIET – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of the second round of the Regional Site Readiness program. The City of Lockport, located in State Senator Rachel Ventura’s district, will be receiving $119,600 for infrastructure assessment and topographic surveying to serve a 146-acre industrial site.

“The Regional Site Readiness program is an investment for future development – developments that are larger than just the land they sit on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This program invests in infrastructure and economic development that will leave a lasting impact for generations.”

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,

Rachel Ventura Signature