Ventura to address child incarceration under proposed task force

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura presented a new bill in committee that seeks to reform the state's approach to child incarceration. Senate Bill 2156 would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices. Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, the bill aims to create a more compassionate system that protects children’s rights and addresses the broader consequences of criminalization.

“This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation is not just about reforming systems; it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward.”

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Ventura highlights importance of literacy, collects hundreds of books for incarcerated individuals

JOLIET – To promote and raise awareness about literacy, Senator Rachel Ventura recently hosted a month-long book drive to collect books for incarcerated individuals, collaborating with the Will County Center for Correctional Concerns.

“A common theme I noticed when visiting Stateville and other incarceration facilities was the deep desire and need for new books. There is a deep yearning to equip yourself with knowledge and to better one’s education for many. Oftentimes, incarcerated individuals are left with decades old books to re-read over and over,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This book drive was coordinated to acquire unused and unwanted books from surrounding communities to donate new reading materials to promote literacy and reduce paper waste.”

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Ventura spearheads legislation aimed at protecting global forests, boosting economic development in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Rachel Ventura introduced the Deforestation-Free Illinois Act, to make Illinois the first state to ensure state purchases don’t contribute to deforestation, forest degradation, or human rights violations.

“The state has made a serious commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with CEJA. Now more than ever, we must align Illinois’ procurement policy to match those commitments and move toward a deforestation-free procurement policy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Preventing deforestation is one of the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategies – by aligning our state with the policies set in this legislation, our state can make bold improvements in protecting the climate, biodiversity and human rights.”

Senate Bill 2157 would make Illinois a leader in responsible sourcing, aligning with global efforts to protect forests, climate, and biodiversity.

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Ventura renews commitment to fight for working class after governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address today, State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) issued the following statement:

“At a time of national uncertainty, Illinois must be a pillar of stability—protecting vital services and ensuring working families can build real wealth, not just scrape by. Our residents deserve to thrive, not merely survive.

"I am committed to securing funding for families and advancing a budget that truly supports the working class—those already burdened by skyrocketing costs. This includes strengthening the child tax credit we fought for last year, which families can now claim on their taxes. Additionally, the tax delinquency payment program is projected to generate $198 million this year, offering some much-needed relief.

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