SPRINGFIELD – In response to the far-reaching effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision, State Senator Rachel Ventura has filed two measures aimed at reducing the influence of corporate and billionaire spending in Illinois elections and restoring power to voters.
The Citizens United ruling allowed corporations to spend unlimited money to influence elections, fundamentally reshaping campaign finance across the country. Ventura’s legislation seeks to counter those effects at the state level by increasing transparency around corporate political spending and restricting corporations from directly influencing state and local elections.
SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing residents’ need for reliable, high-speed internet access – especially for active participation in today’s society – State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two new measures that would expand on and protect broadband access for Illinoisans.
“Investments in broadband are essential for all Illinoisans, regardless of whether they live in a rural, suburban or urban community,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We’ve entered a new age where broadband is no longer a luxury, but an essential amenity, driving economic activity, improving education, expanding health care access and enhancing public services for all.”
SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a package of legislation aimed at addressing the growing role of private equity firms in Illinois’ housing market, which has driven up home prices, reduced housing availability and turned residential properties into high-profit investment assets while many Illinois families struggle to find affordable places to live.
“Across Illinois, we are seeing private equity firms purchase large numbers of homes and apartment buildings, treating housing as a commodity instead of a basic human need,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “When housing becomes a lucrative investment vehicle, families are forced to compete with corporate buyers, rents increase and pathways to homeownership disappear. These bills are designed to stop predatory practices and help put housing back into the hands of the people who live in these communities.”
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura has introduced legislation to reduce harmful air pollution from large warehouse and freight facilities, increase transparency for surrounding communities and protect residents from pollution hot spots. The Warehouse Pollution Reduction Act would create a first-in-the-nation full state framework to track, reduce and mitigate air pollution tied to Illinois’ rapidly growing logistics and freight industry.
“As warehouses and freight hubs continue to expand across Illinois, too many communities are being left to deal with the health consequences of increased truck traffic and diesel pollution,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation creates stronger accountability, improves transparency and prioritizes the health of families, workers and children who live and work near these facilities.”
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