Ventura appointed chair of Senate Human Rights Committee for 104th General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura, a staunch advocate for humane criminal justice reform as well as improving diversity, transparency and equality in the state, has been appointed to serve as chair of the Senate Human Rights Committee for the 104th General Assembly.

“Throughout my career, I have remained steadfast in improving the lives of Illinoisans through initiatives in housing, mental health access, economic opportunities and environmental sustainability — all of which are integral to ensuring humans have access to a safe and healthy planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “It is an honor to be entrusted with chairing the Human Rights Committee. I am deeply committed to advancing policies that address systemic inequities, including those rooted in socioeconomic disparities, while upholding the dignity of every individual. Illinois serves as a beacon of hope in the Midwest, and I aim to enhance transparency and fairness for all in this new role.”

Read more …

Ventura upset with lack of public comment allowed for proposed Minooka intermodal facility project

MINOOKA – Following the public open house regarding Canadian National’s proposed Chicago Logistic Hub Intermodal Facility located off Rt. 6 in Channon held in Minooka on Tuesday, State Senator Rachel Ventura raised concerns over the lack of public commentary permitted on the project and the environmental and economic issues that the project could bring to the area.

Hundreds of residents were in attendance as well as elected officials, trade unions, and local police, all trying to learn more. Some residents were outraged with the project.

“It’s extremely disappointing to me that Canadian National is bringing this massive intermodal facility without giving the opportunity for the public to comment nor are they listening to the concerns of the very residents this plan will affect directly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The area is already heavily impacted with increased truck traffic that causes accidents and unsafe driving conditions. I am vehemently opposed to this project as additional trucks on the road will add the ongoing problem of air pollution and many of these jobs are low wage jobs hurting our economy."

Read more …

Ventura looks ahead to second term

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura was sworn in for her second term to represent Illinois’ 43rd Senate District on Wednesday.

“I am honored to continue my work in the Illinois Senate and to bring forward solutions for people in my community and across Illinois – not just the rich and powerful,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).

During her first term as a state senator, Ventura led efforts to address the climate crisis, reform criminal justice, protect renters, infrastructure investments, consumer protections and educational improvements.

She supported increasing the child tax credit, increasing the standard deduction to keep pace with inflation, freezing the gas tax and fought for investments in the district to help alleviate the financial impacts on residents and local governments.

“Working families need someone who will uphold the values we all share,” said Ventura. “I am proud of my track record on delivering for our community, and look forward to building on the progress we’ve made together. I know there is much more work that needs to happen, especially to shrink the wealth gap.”

Senator Ventura represents Illinois’ 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of Bolingbrook, Joliet, Lockport, Romeoville and surrounding communities.

Ventura applauds efforts to make Prisoner Review Board Medical Release procedure more transparent

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura, a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, announced her support of House Bill 3288, which includes portions of her previous bill, House Bill 5396, to address Prisoner Review Board transparency and changes to the structure and procedures of the board.HB 3288 was sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon, who thanked Ventura and her interns for their work on this bill in the Senate Executive Committee.

“Essential changes are needed to enhance the fairness and transparency of Illinois’ medical release procedures,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Our actions must reflect our values; we are sending a clear message that as a body our belief in justice is inclusive of compassion, rehabilitation, as well as fiscally responsible.”

Read more …