Ventura joins bipartisan group of legislators and CUB to oppose water rate hikes

BOLINGBROOK– Addressing the upcoming public forums on Illinois American Water’s $152 million and Aqua Illinois’ $19 million rate-hike requests, State Senator Ventura – along with a bipartisan group of state legislators – joined Citizens Utility Board on Wednesday at a press conference to reject the rate hikes for private water customers in Illinois.

“Water is essential to all life. We cannot allow profits to be put over people,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I believe water should never be privatized for this reason. I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect access to clean, affordable drinking water.”

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Ventura announces $107K for local police departments

JOLIET – To ensure local law enforcement agencies have the resources necessary to serve their communities, State Senator Rachel Ventura announced $107,000 in firearm enforcement grants were awarded to three local police departments by the Illinois State Police.

“Firearms pose a safety risk when in the possession of individuals who demonstrate a threat to themselves or others,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These grants continue to fortify our safety procedures in local police departments and help keep our communities safe.”

The Illinois State Police issued a third round of firearm enforcement grants to local police departments Monday, with three agencies in Ventura’s district receiving a total of $107,096:

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Ventura on NorthPoint gaining access to Route 53: I am vehemently opposed

JOLIET – Following IDOT’s decision to allow Route 53 access for the three warehouses that NorthPoint has built, State Senator Rachel Ventura released the following statement:

“I am vehemently opposed to the decision to allow Northpoint access to Route 53. For years, residents across the district have strongly been against this project due to environmental and health concerns as well as the significant increased traffic that would come to an area that has already been burdened with increased trucking over the years.

“This decision directly impacts residents’ daily lives. I have reached out to IDOT to better understand why and how this decision was made despite my letter last month asking to deny the project’s request to gain permanent access to Route 53. I have scheduled time with IDOT for a further conversation on this matter and other matters impacting our region.

“We cannot continue to put profits over people and disregard the thousands of residents who have voiced their concerns for years. I will continue to echo my constituents’ concerns on NorthPoint.”

Ventura announces $233.5 million in infrastructure improvements coming to Will and DuPage counties

JOLIET – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Rachel Ventura, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $233.5 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.

“Transportation infrastructure is essential to our community as we are a critical juncture for not just Illinois but the country,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Joliet is a major transportation hub in Illinois, and much needed investments in our roads is crucial to improving the area.”

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