SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced an initiative through the House that would allow local government to apply for loans through the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank in an effort to expand clean energy infrastructure across Illinois.

“By offering low-rate loans to local government, the state will not only save taxpayers money in the long run, but also address and tackle the effects of climate change head on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We need every level of government to do their part and make drastic improvements to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that more than $4 million in funding will be heading to Joliet to replace lead service lines throughout the community.

“Quality water is crucial. With so many older homes across the district it is important for the state to continually replace and check lead service lines so our residents aren’t consuming anything toxic,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I will continue to advocate for water infrastructure investments for our region.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation aimed at easing the growing stress that students face in classrooms, prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being to enhance focus and reduce anxiety during school hours.

“Purposeful relaxation time will empower students to develop effective stress and anxiety management strategies,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As both a parent and mental health advocate I strongly believe that allocating at least 20 minutes per week for students to unwind and prioritize their mental health will alleviate the constant pressure to engage in mental tasks, leading to improved academic performance.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that Senate Bill 3695 has been assigned to the Senate Executive Committee and has bipartisan support.

Senate Bill 3695, also known as the CURE Act – or the 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 would facilitate research into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin through medical, psychological, and scientific studies. New Chief Co-Sponsor Senator Craig Wilcox has researched and considered filing a similar psilocybin bill focused on mental health and medicinal use for more than two years.

“After much discussion with my colleagues, I am proud to see the bipartisanship collaboration on this historic piece of legislation that would aid veterans and those suffering with mental illnesses, PTSD, substance abuse and more,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Psilocybin would open new pathways in the brain to help pinpoint things that need to be worked on. Integrated therapy-based sessions following its exposure would create real change in an individual’s life who have exhausted other methods previously.”