Ventura condemns out-of-state police unlawfully tracking women in Illinois

• Reproductive Care

CHICAGO – With reproductive rights under assault in many states, State Senator Rachel Ventura stood alongside Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias at a press conference condemning Texas’ unlawful use of Illinois license plate reader data to track women who received reproductive care.

“Illinois will not tolerate law enforcement illegally surveilling women who are exercising their right to reproductive care,” said Ventura (D-Joliet) “Out-of-state law enforcement tracking Illinois license plate data is an invasion of privacy and an invasion of women’s rights.”

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, Texas law enforcement has utilized Illinois license plate data to track a woman regarding abortion-related care. This type of surveillance is illegal in Illinois. Under state law backed by Ventura, Illinois police are prohibited from sharing license plate data with out-of-state law enforcement related to immigration status and reproductive care.

In May, law enforcement authorities in Texas performed a nationwide search of more than 83,000 ALPR cameras to locate a woman they said had a self-administered abortion. Included in the search were cameras located in states where abortion is legal – including one located in Mount Prospect in suburban Cook County.

To date, 13 states have outlawed abortion altogether, with no exceptions, and six others have banned or limited access to abortion procedures. With these restrictions, many women seeking reproductive care have traveled to other states, including Illinois.

“If we are going to use license plate readers in our state, we need to be certain law enforcement is following the law regarding its use,” said Ventura. “I applaud the Secretary of State initiating an audit to ensure Illinois data is not falling into the wrong hands. I also commend The Secretary of State’s announcement that they are shutting off out-of-state access to our license plate data to keep Illinoisans safe.”

You can watch the Secretary of State’s press conference here.

Ventura encourages Joliet residents to speak out on Nicor Gas rate hike proposal

JOLIET — State Senator Rachel Ventura is encouraging residents to attend a public hearing hosted by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) regarding Nicor Gas’ proposed $308.6 million rate increase. The hearing will take place on Monday, June 9, from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Indoor Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.

“This proposed rate increase would impact thousands of families across our region,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “It’s important that residents have a chance to make their voices heard before any decision is made.”

Read more …

Ventura leads resolution to declare Race Amity Day in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To promote race amity and highlight the importance of interracial friendships, State Senator Rachel Ventura sponsored a resolution declaring June 8, 2025 as Race Amity Day in Illinois.

“Race Amity Day encourages people to come together and celebrate the diversity within our communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “In times where hate and violence far too often persist, this resolution calls attention to the interracial friendships that make our communities stronger.”

Read more …

Ventura measure to expand grant funding for forest plans and canopies

SPRINGFIELD – Under a measure introduced by State Senator Rachel Ventura, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources would be tasked with expanding grant assistance to enhance local forestry programs and increase tree canopies in underserved and disadvantaged areas.

“In times where global temperatures are increasing and forests are shrinking, we should focus efforts on improving existing forest ecosystems and making them healthier,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Expanding grant funding support for projects related to urban and community forestry is crucial to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis.”

Read more …