SPRINGFIELD – To end the misleading practice of fake “final notices,” State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation that requires senders to clearly post the intention of their mailing.

“Far too often new home owners and seniors are the victims of fake final notices,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We must end this dishonest business practice so that no one is tricked into purchasing goods or services they don’t need. People shouldn’t have to deal with anxiety-inducing scam letters like these.”

When someone buys a car or home in Illinois, “final notice” letters regarding warranties, protection plans and insurance are often mailed out by third parties to scam recipients into providing information or buying products under the guise of maintaining their home or vehicle.

Ventura’s legislation amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to require that senders clearly state that their mailing is not a bill but rather a solicitation of services.

Senate Bill 1440 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Rachel Ventura, The Village of Romeoville is set to receive a total of $158,155 in state funding designed to support communities impacted by plant or mine retirements established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

“Job loss is an unfortunate side effect of transitioning away from unsustainable energy sources. The loss of livelihoods should not go unnoticed,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “That is why this funding is vital to supporting communities impacted so we can help individuals as they transition into new career paths.”

The $40 million program was designed to meet the needs of individual localities by addressing the economic and social impacts of plant closures. The $158,155 coming to Romeoville can be used on a variety of initiatives and investments, including workforce initiatives, housing support, business attraction efforts and more.

“As we invest in renewable energy, more jobs will come about from these industries. This funding will play a role in that transition whilst helping our planet,” said Ventura.

As part of the program, Romeoville will develop detailed plans for the grant funding – which includes stakeholder engagement, a detailed project design and budget which outlines specific intended uses for the funds. The community stakeholder engagement process is a critical element designed to ensure grantees solicit community input and consult with a diverse set of stakeholders to best support those most impacted by energy transitions.

To learn more about the Energy Transition Community Grant Program, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is championing a measure that mandates all vehicles owned by state or local government entities to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle.

“By complying with Climate Justice Alliance to have a million electric cars by 2030, my legislation will both be environmentally friendly and cost friendly in the long run,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Illinois set forth bold carbon-reduction goals in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. This is one way of ensuring that we meet those goals.”

Senate Bill 1769 would require all vehicles purchased or leased by a government unit after January 2025 to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or a converted zero-emission vehicle.

“Illinois is poised to become a national hub for electric vehicle and battery production. State and local governments have an obligation to support this emerging industry by transitioning vehicles to electric or zero-carbon,” said Ventura. “We want government to do their part and meet these goals.”

Senate Bill 1769 passed Environment and Conversation committee Thursday and now moves to the Senate floor.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded new legislation that would lift the limits on hydropower plants.

Currently Illinois is ranked 46th in the nation when it comes to hydropower. With Senate Bill 1474 passing the Energy and Public Utility Committee Thursday, Ventura hopes to advance Illinois’ renewable energy sector.

“By having hydropower in our communities, we can increase jobs, lower the price of energy and protect our planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Supporting hydropower today will allow Illinoisans to reap economic and environmental rewards for decades to come.”

Under Ventura’s measure, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

This initiative is aimed to support hydropower dams across the state including the Kankakee Hydropower Dam, the Wilmington Dam, and the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.

“This legislation addresses the energy problem across the state,” said Ventura. “Illinois struggled to generate base load capacity so the cost of electricity doubled for hardworking families. Expanding renewable energy, especially base load capacity, through clean and affordable hydropower is crucial for Illinois to meet the demands of the future.”

Senate Bill 1474 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.