SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced a new measure that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

“Encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, is an essential step toward a cleaner environment,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With the ongoing climate crisis impacting the entire world, it is evident that every level of government needs to focus on addressing this important issue to ensure the upcoming generations have a secure future.”

The Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to establish a grant program for local governments to restore degraded forests and prairies, encourage planting trees and grasses along roadways to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and address flooding and prevent snow and dirt drifts.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura, along with several mental health advocates and professionals, held a press conference Thursday to outline their support of legalizing psilocybin, commonly known as “magic mushrooms.”

"We're dedicated to eliminating obstacles to healing in Illinois," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "As additional options emerge for the public, my aspiration is for plant medicines to shed their stigma and be recognized for their safe and beneficial qualities.”

Senate Bill 3695, known as the CURE ACT (Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act), aims to tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, it facilitates research into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin through medical, psychological, and scientific studies.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that Lewis University in Joliet has received funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“In times where it is difficult to find good paying jobs, this initiative aims to help diverse communities across our district secure pre-apprenticeship skills training to advance their careers,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Through Lewis University’s efforts, people will gain valuable information and skills necessary for a stable income.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $550,000 to Lewis University in Romeoville. The program creates a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades, as well as helps participants to secure employment and establish a career in the field.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura issued the following statement after hearing the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal:

“The proposed budget includes investments in education, workforce development and improving the quality of life at our correctional facilities across the state. With the corporate tax loopholes sunsetting this year, it is imperative that we pass a budget that closes these. Working families need the ultra-rich to pay their fair share.

“While there are many promising programs within the budget, I am concerned with the funding of said programs. Over the coming month, my colleagues and I will have continuous talks about the budget to ensure all Illinoisans’ concerns are reflected about the budget.

“My colleagues and I have raised concerns about the quality of life at DOC facilities. This budget is taking positive steps in the right direction by increasing funds for staffing. I am pleased to see $900 million dedicated towards the maintenance and modernization of these facilities.

“The budget proposed today makes important investments in clean energy, job creation and accessibility to higher education. I remain committed to fighting for the residents of the 43rd District and will work across the aisle to ensure a balanced budget is passed.”