Ventura calls for release of federal funding to protect Great Lakes and Illinois waterways

JOLIET – Following a recent statement regarding the Trump Administration continuing to pause federal funding on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, State Senator Rachel Ventura raised concerns regarding this decision, warning that delays would threaten both the health of the Great Lakes region and the economic vitality of Illinois communities.

“Invasive carp pose a very serious threat to our waterways and the communities that depend on them,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Joliet sits at the center of this effort. The Brandon Road project is a critical safeguard for Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes system, and delays in federal funding put years of work and collaboration at risk.”

Earlier this year, the federal government placed a review and funding pause on the project, delaying construction and leaving Illinois waiting for previously appropriated federal funds to move forward.

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Ventura legislation to allow to plug-in solar panels for Illinois residents passes committee

SPRINGFIELD — A measure sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura to make plug-in solar panels legal and accessible in Illinois – in turn expanding clean energy options for renters, condominium owners, and residents who currently face barriers to installing traditional rooftop solar – passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Thursday.

The legislation would allow the use of small, plug-in solar energy systems, often referred to as “balcony solar” or “plug-in solar panels” that connect directly to a standard electrical outlet and provide immediate, low-cost renewable energy for homes and apartments. The bill establishes clear safety standards while preventing unreasonable restrictions that block residents from using these panels.

“With energy prices on the rise, more people are looking to green alternatives to cut costs,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Plug-in solar panels are a simple, affordable solution that empowers people, especially renters and condo owners, to participate in the clean energy transition.”

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Ventura continues push of CURE Act to provide psilocybin treatments

SPRINGFIELD — A new measure introduced by State Senator Rachel Ventura to establish the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board to investigate and advise on best practices for psilocybin treatments to help tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as PTSD passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“I remain committed to passing the CURE Act in its entirety and providing real change for individuals who have exhausted other treatment methods,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill is an important first step in that effort and will provide legislators with essential research on the safety and efficacy of psychedelic use in therapeutic treatments.”

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Ventura-backed medically assisted treatment program to address opiate overdose deaths passes committee

SPRINGFIELD –A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura that would provide opiate use disorder treatments for incarcerated individuals passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.

“Overdoses are the leading cause of death among people returning to their communities after incarceration,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “There is an urgent need for comprehensive opiate use disorder programs statewide, and this legislation would save lies, is compassionate, and has the potential to break the cycle of addiction, improve health outcomes and reduce rates of recidivism.”

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