Ventura leads charge to expand Illinois broadband access under newly signed law

• Broadband

SPRINGFIELD – Despite repeated promises from the federal government, high-speed internet access remains a distant goal for many communities — especially in rural Illinois, where service is often spotty, unreliable or altogether unavailable. In response to federal inaction and recent funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Murri Briel on a new law, providing a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“Broadband access should be available to all. This law prioritizes anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, which is critical for daily life.”

The Illinois Century Network (ICN) delivers wholesale internet services to public entities across the state — including schools, libraries and higher education institutions. However, without sufficient federal investment, the burden of expanding reliable broadband increasingly falls to the state.

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Pharmacists allowed to dispense non-hormonal contraception options under new Ventura law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman worked together on a new law that will expand the types of contraception pharmacists can dispense to include emergency contraception and non-hormonal options.

“By allowing pharmacists to prescribe all types of contraceptives, including non-hormonal options, we are improving access so that every individual can make the best choice for birth control,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Women come in all shapes and sizes so it only stands to reason that medication should be tailored to them as needed.”

House Bill 3489 expands the type of contraception pharmacists can offer to include hormonal, non-hormonal and emergency contraceptives, including Plan B (levonorgestrel pill), Phexxi (non-hormonal), and Ella (ulipristal acetate pill).

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

• Rewilding
• HB2726
• Conservation

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.”

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

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.