Ventura measure to give new life to historic and scenic properties

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura led a new measure through the Senate Judiciary committee that would allow county boards to make county-owned property available for public use.

“Expanding the definition of public use to save future buildings can help protect historic, scenic, or architectural sites for the public,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). "The state should be assisting local governments with repurposing these sites to better serve the community in a new capacity."

Senate Bill 2651 would allow a county to maintain, restore or reuse places of architectural, historic or scenic significance and allows them to lease or license county-held property to public or private entities for up to 99 years including for athletic purposes or for a museum.

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Ventura-backed legislation to protect tenants from rental transaction fees passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – To protect renters from additional rental payment transaction fees, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation that would require landlords to be more flexible with payment options.

“As rent costs have skyrocketed across the country, residents are struggling to make ends meet and these transaction fees imposed on them by their landlord can add up quickly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Some leases require 2-3% of rent to cover processing fees which adds a lot to an already high rent. By requiring landlords to also accept cash or check we help save Illinoisans from this unnecessary cost.”

House Bill 4206 would require landlords to allow tenants to make rental payments by delivering a paper check or cash to the landlord or their business office if the landlord uses a third-party payment portal to collect rent and has a transactional fee or other charge imposed through the portal on the rental payments.

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Senator Ventura releases statement opposing NorthPoint access to Route 53

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

“Over the last seven years, NorthPoint developers and more recently the city of Joliet have requested temporary access to Route 53, residents across the district have routinely been against it due to environmental concerns and the significant increased traffic that would come.

“I echo my colleagues’ concerns regarding the developers’ lack of tangible solutions to deal with the increased truck traffic that would directly impact residents’ daily life. There needs to be accountability for the promises this developer has made. I encourage IDOT to deny temporary access and enforce the initial developer’s plans.

“I am committed to continuing to work to stop this decision in order to properly assess the project and end a request that would put profit over people. Many residents have vehemently opposed the project for years and we need the city of Joliet to listen to them.”

House committee passes Ventura measure to enhance physical, emotional health in schools

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura has proposed legislation aimed at easing the growing stress that students face in classrooms, prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being to enhance focus and reduce anxiety during school hours.

“Allocating at least 20 minutes per week for students to unwind and prioritize their mental health will alleviate the pressure to constantly engage in mental tasks, leading to improved academic performance,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Purposeful relaxation time will empower students to develop effective stress and anxiety management strategies.”

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