JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura issued a statement of support for the employees of two RISE marijuana stores in Joliet, IL who are currently on strike over unfair labor practices.

“The Cannabis industry is generating record profits in Illinois and workers deserve to share in of the wealth that they create,” said Ventura (D-Joliet), referencing Illinois’ $1.5 Billion in cannabis sales for FY 2022. “Working families are struggling across Illinois while companies like RISE make enormous profits. It doesn’t have to be this way. I hope that both sides are able to negotiate a mutually beneficial contract that enables these workers to better support their families.”

Teamsters Local 777 went on strike Wednesday at two RISE marijuana stores in Joliet after three unsuccessful negotiating meetings. Union leaders are attempting to negotiate wages and retirement benefits and have stated there is no agreement as of yet on either of the issues.

Teamster General President Sean O’Brien relayed the following message to cannabis workers on social media: “We’re fighting to turn this industry into what it needs to be: long term well paid careers. No more low wages, no more high turnover, no more disrespect. Teamsters stand with you.”

Additionally, the union stated that the RISE stores told their employees to remove their Teamsters buttons while negotiating. Workers voted to unionize last year and have been negotiating their first contract.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first company we’ve heard that has delayed contract negotiations after a union has been voted on,” said Ventura. “We need to encourage companies to negotiate in good faith in a timely manner.” Ventura is encouraging other community members and elected officials in Will County to support the workers, not cross the picket line, and join them in solidarity.

“I’m on strike because of how cannabis is grown and sold by RISE. We all have our different reasons for being out here,” said Christopher Guardo, a Joliet resident and RISE employee since the company opened their doors. “RISE is not using the safest practices to grow our product. We see excessive mold because the product is not cured properly. Instead of hanging and drying it at the proper humidity levels, they nitrogen freeze the cannabis and it is packaged prematurely, creating moldy products.” Guardo had been promised multiple promotions to shift supervisor and yet three years later he is still earning $17 an hour as a patient care specialist.

In Fiscal Year 2022, Illinois cannabis sales generated $466.8 million in state taxes on $1.5 billion in total sales. Illinois total dispensary sales reached over three billion in total over the last three years. One RISE store in Joliet employs approximately 50 individuals. Several have quit because of working conditions and low pay.

For questions directed to the Teamsters, contact James Glimco at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 630.670.4414

ROMEOVILLE – State Senator Rachel Ventura commended the $358,390 grant awarded to Lewis University to expand the state’s pool of early childhood providers and increase faculty diversity in the field.

“Early childhood education is crucial to preparing kids for a bright future,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Having a more diverse faculty in place ensures that all the children of Illinois can relate and feel comfortable by those looking over and teaching them.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded $3.37 million in Early Childhood Faculty Preparation grants to four universities — including $358,390 to Lewis University — to implement programs of study for working adults from diverse backgrounds and those who work with diverse populations interested in becoming early childhood faculty.

The grants will fund scholarships and other academic and holistic supports for 78 students to earn master’s degrees.

“This grant expands the state’s goal of having high quality education across the board,” said Ventura. “I congratulate Lewis University on working toward a more well-rounded and diverse group of educators.”

The Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants are a part of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity initiative, a key strategy in A Thriving Illinois, the state’s strategic plan for higher education. Those who enroll in the programs are expected to graduate by the summer of 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura passed bipartisan legislation that aims to alleviate truck collisions with underpasses or viaducts.

“Trucks collide with underpasses and viaducts far too often,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Providing additional warning signs will help alleviate this problem.”

Senate Bill 1653 would create the low-clearance early warning device pilot program. It would require IDOT to establish a program to put early warning devices on or near bridges or viaducts. Early warning devices will include LiDAR, radar, visual signals, or additional signage. LiDAR, or "light detection and ranging,” is a method for determining ranges by targeting an object with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. These various warning devices would be tested within the pilot program.

The pilot program would evaluate the effectiveness of an early warning device, design specifications, and estimated costs. Additionally, IDOT would consult with the University of Illinois on the pilot program to brainstorm any other potential ideas to solve the problem.

“This is a great example of taking a local issue and turning it into law to help all of Illinois,” said Ventura. “Truck collisions like this impact the 43rd district more often as we have the largest inland port and several low clearance viaducts and bridges. However, across the state we see this problem including narrow width viaducts. It’s time to address effective ways to solve the issue at hand.”

Senate Bill 1653 passed Senate Friday and moves to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a measure through the Senate Thursday to expand science education in elementary schools.

“Creating human-centered education in science helps individuals to understand their bodies fully but also creates connections to other sciences potentially creating a strong interest and understanding,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We must empower kids to learn more about the human body and how it relates to higher sciences.”

Ventura’s measure would create the Science in Elementary Schools Working Group. The group, created by the Illinois State Board of Education, would add new science curriculum on topics such as anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. The expanded education would also help students understand their own bodies and care for their health and well-being throughout their lives.

By June 1, 2024, the Working Group would create a guide with links to available resources so elementary teachers have access to high quality, age-appropriate, and free educational materials. By Dec. 31, 2025 the working group would make recommendations to ISBE about further steps to take, which would be reviewed and updated at a minimum of every five years thereafter.

“We hope to empower students with the information they need that will stay with them throughout their whole life,” said Ventura.

Senate Bill 2354 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.