SPRINGFIELD – To support ongoing efforts in protecting and revitalizing local landscapes and ecosystems, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Anna Moeller spearheaded legislation to create new rewilding strategies by giving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources more authority to implement conservation tactics.

“Over the last few decades, countless species of wild animals and plant life have been reduced significantly or completely lost to human activity,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “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.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman worked together to spearhead legislation to expand the types of contraception pharmacists can dispense to include emergency contraception and non-hormonal options.

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

SPRINGFIELD – High-speed internet for the entire state has yet to become a reality, leaving rural areas with patchy and often unreliable services. State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Amy Briel to lead House Bill 1062 through the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

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

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois continues to face a shortage of mental and behavioral health professionals, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading a series of legislative efforts with State Representatives Nabeela Syed and Hoan Huynh to improve licensure processes and expand educational opportunities in the health care field.

To address workforce gaps, Ventura and Syed advanced House Bill 3487, which passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee on Wednesday. The bill requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to request voluntary demographic and employment data — including primary language, anticipated retirement year and ZIP code — when individuals apply for or renew behavioral health licenses. The goal is to generate more accurate data to better understand and address service gaps across Illinois.

“Our state’s rural areas continue to suffer due to a lack of mental health professionals,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Accurate and recent data can greatly assist in addressing the behavioral health care workforce needs we have in this state. When we know the totality of the situation, we can come up with better solutions, such as grants or improved training programs to help this essential field.”