SPRINGFIELD – To stop the misleading fake “final notices” sent in the mail, State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a new law going into effect Jan. 1.

“During a time when it is already difficult to pay the bills, we needed a way to protect Illinoisans from these anxiety-inducing final fake notices which are often sent to new homeowners and seniors,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This dishonest business practice will finally be put to and end so that no one is tricked into purchasing goods or services they don’t need.”

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.

Under Senate Bill 1440, the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act will be amended to require that senders clearly state that their mailing is not a bill but rather a solicitation of services.

“Illinois has become a trailblazer for finding tangible solutions to a wide array of issues that impact everyone,” said Ventura. “My hope is that by Illinois taking the lead in ending this practice, more states will follow suit to protect vulnerable members in our communities.”

Senate Bill 1440 takes effect Jan. 1.

JOLIET – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open to all income-eligible households, and State Senator Rachel Ventura is urging eligible families to apply to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“As colder winter weather quickly approaches, keeping warm can be expensive,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With that in mind, I encourage all eligible residents to apply for assistance.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is now leading the way toward a cleaner, greener future thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Rachel Ventura that will require state-owned vehicles to be zero emission.

“To tackle the ongoing climate crisis, Illinois needs to be a frontrunner in clean energy investments,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “One such way to help is by investing in zero emission vehicles to deliver big gains for both our environment and our economy.”

Senate Bill 1769 will require passenger vehicles purchased or leased by the state to either be a manufactured zero-emission vehicle or converted into a zero-emission vehicle by 2030. Exceptions will be made for law enforcement and IDOT vehicles.

Highway vehicles release about 1.4 billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year — mostly in the form of carbon dioxide — which contribute to the global climate crisis. The continuous adoption of zero-emission vehicles has the ability to move the nation close to an 80% decrease in transportation greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Ventura’s measure will play a major part in reducing emissions at the state level – ensuring Illinois keeps its promise to build a healthier, more equitable and energy efficient state following the passage of the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021.

“I’m proud to see the state implementing tangible solutions to meet clean air standards as transportation is the leading source of air pollution,” said Ventura. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our state is taking bold and substantial steps toward 100% clean energy reliance.”

Senate Bill 1769 was signed into law by the governor on Friday.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that a total of $400,000 has been awarded for recreational trail development projects in the 43rd Senate District to help meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities thanks to funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

“These projects will provide improved trails so that families, bike riders and more can safely travel throughout our community,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Necessary recreation improvements will increase trail connectivity for people in Lockport and Woodridge.”

Lockport will receive $200,000 toward its Eighth Street pedestrian bridge and Woodridge Park District will also receive $200,000 for a new bike trail through Hawthorn Hill Woods.

The IDNR program provides up to 80% reimbursement to local grant recipients for the cost of trail projects, with local sponsors providing the balance of the funding.

“It’s crucial that the state continues to focus on improvements in park districts as they provide a safe space for people to relax and come together as a community,” said Ventura. “I look forward to seeing more improvements in the future to ensure every resident has an easily accessible, safe and well-maintained space within their local parks.”

A total of 19 projects were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, which is overseen by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is made up of representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized user organizations, state agencies, organizations involved in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

To see a full list of recipients, click here.