In wake of federal cuts, Ventura leads charge to expand Illinois broadband access

SPRINGFIELD – Despite repeated promises from the federal government, high-speed internet access remains a distant goal for many communities — especially in rural Illinois, where service is often spotty, unreliable or altogether unavailable. In response to federal inaction and recent funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Amy Briel to lead the passage of House Bill 1062 in the Senate, providing a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“Broadband access should be available to all. This legislation aims to prioritize anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, which is critical for daily life.”

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Ventura supports right to boycott, calls for more support of Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, State Senator Rachel Ventura joined the Illinois Coalition for Human Rights (ICHR) in solidarity alongside State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid and several state legislators and advocates in support of House Bill 2723 and Senate Bill 2462, also known as the Illinois Human Rights Advocacy Protection Act. The proposed legislation would lift state pension investment restrictions placed on companies engaged in boycotts of Israel.

Following the press conference, Ventura released the following statement:

“Now more than ever we need to send a strong message that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continuous human rights violations inflicted by the state of Israel will not be supported with Illinois dollars. 

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Ventura measure to create rewilding strategies, revitalize ecosystems across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To support ongoing efforts in protecting and revitalizing local landscapes and ecosystems, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Anna Moeller spearheaded legislation to create new rewilding strategies by giving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources more authority to implement conservation tactics.

“Over the last few decades, countless species of wild animals and plant life have been reduced significantly or completely lost to human activity,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By creating a holistic rewilding strategy for the state, we can see landscapes restored to their previous state — a major win for the environment and their local ecosystems.”

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Ventura measure to allow pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraception options

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman worked together to spearhead legislation to expand the types of contraception pharmacists can dispense to include emergency contraception and non-hormonal options.

“Women come in all shapes and sizes so it only stands to reason that medication should be tailored to them as needed,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By allowing pharmacists to prescribe all types of contraceptives, including non-hormonal options, this bill aims to improve access so that every individual can make the best choice for birth control.”

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