Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura
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Clean energy projects in state would receive additional funding under Ventura bill

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Wednesday, March 19, 2025 07:48 PM

SenatorVentura

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading efforts to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters.”

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

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025 09:20 PM

 SenatorVentura

SPRINGFIELD – According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fewer than half of jails surveyed across the nation offer some form of medication for opioid use disorder, with only 12.8% making it available to anyone with the disorder. To address the lack of treatments available for incarcerated individuals in the state, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced Senate Bill 2185 to the Senate.

“Providing these assisted treatments to incarcerated individuals will help break the cycle of addiction, encourage stability in their lives and lead to decreased rates of re-incarceration,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We have seen this work positively in other states. With overdoses being the leading cause of death among people returning to their communities after incarceration, it is clear we need these treatments available statewide to see a difference.”

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Ventura to address child incarceration under proposed task force

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025 09:11 PM

 SenatorRVentura

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura presented a new bill in committee that seeks to reform the state's approach to child incarceration. Senate Bill 2156 would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices. Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, the bill aims to create a more compassionate system that protects children’s rights and addresses the broader consequences of criminalization.

“This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation is not just about reforming systems; it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward.”

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Ventura highlights importance of literacy, collects hundreds of books for incarcerated individuals

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Friday, March 14, 2025 09:25 PM

SenatorVenturaBookDrive

JOLIET – To promote and raise awareness about literacy, Senator Rachel Ventura recently hosted a month-long book drive to collect books for incarcerated individuals, collaborating with the Will County Center for Correctional Concerns.

“A common theme I noticed when visiting Stateville and other incarceration facilities was the deep desire and need for new books. There is a deep yearning to equip yourself with knowledge and to better one’s education for many. Oftentimes, incarcerated individuals are left with decades old books to re-read over and over,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This book drive was coordinated to acquire unused and unwanted books from surrounding communities to donate new reading materials to promote literacy and reduce paper waste.”

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More Articles …

  1. Ventura spearheads legislation aimed at protecting global forests, boosting economic development in Illinois
  2. Ventura renews commitment to fight for working class after governor’s budget address
  3. Ventura measure to remove cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle passes committee
  4. Ventura to address child incarceration, advocates for ‘Child First’ policies
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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

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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

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