Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura

Ventura to host grant application and certification workshop

Details: Monday, September 21, 2026 03:21 PM

JOLIET – To help organizations navigate and apply for state funding opportunities, State Senator Rachel Ventura is teaming up with the African American Business Association of Will County and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to host a grant application and certification workshop.

“Applying for grants can be a daunting process, especially for small organizations, which is why I am glad to partner with AABA and ICJIA to offer this informational workshop,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I encourage local organizations, including nonprofits, local governments and schools, to join us to learn more about how to succeed with state grants.”

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.

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