Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura

Ventura announces additional funding to prevent food insecurity

Details: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 07:04 PM

StateSenatorVentura

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“The Illinois Grocery Initiative is an impactful program that ensures our communities have access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The more we invest into efforts to prevent food insecurity and eliminate food deserts, the healthier our communities will be.”

Ventura encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding

Details: Friday, September 04, 2026 03:55 PM

JOLIET – To expand the 43rd District talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Rachel Ventura is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has had major impacts across Illinois, and especially here in the 43rd District,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Many programs in my district such as HIRE360 – Will have had tremendous success, and I encourage local entities to apply for the latest round of funding to ensure apprenticeship programs can reach all members of our community, especially those in underrepresented groups.”

Ventura secures over $360,000 to address teacher vacancies in the 43rd District

Details: Thursday, September 03, 2026 08:36 PM

Sen. Ventura Gompers Ribbon Cutting

JOLIET – Senator Rachel Ventura has secured over $360,000 for school districts in District 43 through the Teacher Vacancy Pilot Program. These grants will continue the state’s efforts to address educator shortages in the communities facing the greatest staffing challenges.

“As a mother who had two daughters go through the public school system, I have seen firsthand the struggles many districts face with the recruitment and retention of high quality educators,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Educators are the foundation of a high quality education and this tailored funding will ensure that our children have the ability to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Ventura’s district to see major improvements thanks to Rebuild Illinois

Details: Monday, August 31, 2026 03:11 PM

Rebuild Illinois Press Conference

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura, Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced $91.8 million worth of road improvements coming to Will County.

“IDOT’s investment in local infrastructure is a much-needed step toward repairing the roads that carry our communities and our economy every day,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Heavy truck traffic has taken a toll on many of these routes, leaving rough, deteriorated surfaces that affect everyone who travels them. Investing in resurfacing and strengthening these truck routes will not only extend the life of our roads, but also provide a smoother, safer ride for motorists and improve the movement of freight throughout our communities.”

Welcome

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 43rd Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly. On this website, you can learn a little bit about me, my record in the General Assembly, and the services I can provide you.

I always welcome feedback from my constituents, so if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Rachel Ventura Signature