News

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura is urging districts and municipalities throughout the 43rd District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space land Acquisition and Development grant before the Aug. 31 deadline.

“Parks are the heartbeat of our community, not only for connection with our neighbors, but also for the crucial environmental impacts,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Continued investment in our parks is necessary to ensure these green spaces remain open and available to all who want to utilize them.”

JOLIET - State Senator Rachel Ventura announced $126,000 will be awarded to two District 43 organizations thanks to funds appropriated by Senator Ventura and the federal Library Services and Technology Act.

“Everyone has the right to obtain basic literacy skills, and these literacy grants ensures those programs are available to anyone who wishes to partake,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Illinois Workers in Action and Joliet Junior College are committed to ensuring that children and adults have access to programs that improve essential skills.”

JOLIET – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of the second round of the Regional Site Readiness program. The City of Lockport, located in State Senator Rachel Ventura’s district, will be receiving $119,600 for infrastructure assessment and topographic surveying to serve a 146-acre industrial site.

“The Regional Site Readiness program is an investment for future development – developments that are larger than just the land they sit on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This program invests in infrastructure and economic development that will leave a lasting impact for generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work to promote child-first policies, a bill sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would give courts more flexibility in advocating for restorative justice programs for young people was signed into law by the governor Friday.

“This law recognizes that children are still developing and deserve opportunities for growth, guidance, and rehabilitation,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). "By prioritizing a child-first mindset, we can promote accountability in ways that help repair harm, support healthier futures for young people, and strengthen our communities as a whole.”