Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura

Ventura announces additional funding for literacy programs

Details: Friday, August 14, 2026 02:51 PM

Sen. Ventura at Local Library

JOLIET - State Senator Rachel Ventura announced $126,000 will be awarded to two District 43 organizations thanks to funds appropriated by Senator Ventura and the federal Library Services and Technology Act.

“Everyone has the right to obtain basic literacy skills, and these literacy grants ensures those programs are available to anyone who wishes to partake,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Illinois Workers in Action and Joliet Junior College are committed to ensuring that children and adults have access to programs that improve essential skills.”

Ventura announces $119,600 state grant for Lockport industrial site development

Details: Friday, August 07, 2026 02:09 PM

JOLIET – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of the second round of the Regional Site Readiness program. The City of Lockport, located in State Senator Rachel Ventura’s district, will be receiving $119,600 for infrastructure assessment and topographic surveying to serve a 146-acre industrial site.

“The Regional Site Readiness program is an investment for future development – developments that are larger than just the land they sit on,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This program invests in infrastructure and economic development that will leave a lasting impact for generations.”

Ventura emphasizes back-to-school tax holiday on school supplies

Details: Thursday, August 06, 2026 07:44 PM

Ventura School

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois will institute a 10-day tax holiday on school supplies, and working families and teachers can expect to have reduced shopping costs ahead of the upcoming school year, thanks to support from State Senator Rachel Ventura.

“Affordability remains top of mind for our residents, especially when they are feeling the impacts on their everyday lives,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This effort alleviates the financial burden during one of the most important times of the year for many families: back-to-school season.”

Ventura legislation on juvenile restorative justice programs signed into law

Details: Monday, August 03, 2026 03:44 PM

Ventura HB4639 SignedGoverner 2026

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work to promote child-first policies, a bill sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would give courts more flexibility in advocating for restorative justice programs for young people was signed into law by the governor Friday.

“This law recognizes that children are still developing and deserve opportunities for growth, guidance, and rehabilitation,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). "By prioritizing a child-first mindset, we can promote accountability in ways that help repair harm, support healthier futures for young people, and strengthen our communities as a whole.”

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