JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura recently announced that two local Fire Protection Districts in the 43rd District are recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program from the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“Far too often, rural areas don’t have the funds to buy new equipment to help them protect their communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I commend both of the local fire protection districts in our community who will receive grants to purchase much-needed equipment so that they can effectively and safely do their job and aid local residents.”

A total of $4 million was awarded to 165 fire departments or districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

From the 165 recipient recipients, both the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District and the Lockport Township Fire Protection District received $26,000 each. The grant allows both the districts the opportunity to purchase small equipment they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

“These grant dollars can be used on a variety equipment that is essential to keeping our emergency workers safe,” said Ventura. “Whether it be used for portable generators, defibrillators or personal protective equipment, I am glad our volunteer fire departments and districts who need it most are receiving this assistance.”

To view all 165 grant recipient winners, click here.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura, along with prominent workers’ rights advocates and Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association, came together at Joliet Junior College Friday to promote and highlight the importance of improving workplace safety and honor those who have been injured or killed from workplace accidents.

“It’s essential to practice safety in the workplace to prevent these injuries and deaths. Every person deserves a safe work environment, and employers need to be diligent in following the rules in place,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As a member of the Warehouse Safety Task Force, I recognize the efforts that the state is making to improve safety in Illinois and encourage all employers to regularly update and educate their workers on workplace safety.”

Ventura recently passed a resolution in the Senate to declare April 26, 2024 as Workers' Memorial Day in Illinois. Senate Resolution 895 encourages all employers to reaffirm their efforts toward improving workplace safety and serves as a day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell by their work. Additionally, it strives to seek stronger health standard enforcement and treating workers with dignity as constant improvements in worker safety are pursued.

NEW LENOX – State Senator Rachel Ventura joined Governor Pritzker and several state legislators at Silver Cross Hospital Wednesday to discuss the importance of the Healthcare Protection Act.

“I previously worked at an insurance company, which showed me firsthand how they prioritized profits over providing actual care,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The Healthcare Protection Act would end this practice of insurance companies putting profits above people and, more importantly, would stop insurance companies from practicing medicine without a license.”

SPRINGFIELD – To promote and highlight the importance of improving work place safety and honor those who have been injured or killed from workplace accidents, State Senator Rachel Ventura championed a resolution to declare April 26, 2024 as Workers' Memorial Day in Illinois.

“Despite regulations in place like the Occupational Safety and Health Act, thousands of dedicated workers across the country are killed, disabled or severely injured by occupational diseases or workplace injuries every year,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “It’s essential to practice safety in the workplace to prevent these injuries and deaths. Every person deserves a safe workplace as a fundamental right, and employers need to be diligent in following the rules in place.”

Senate Resolution 895 encourages all employers to reaffirm their efforts toward improving workplace safety and serves as a day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell by their work. Additionally, it strives to seek stronger health standard enforcement and treating workers with dignity as constant improvements in worker safety are pursed.