Ventura leads effort to strengthen workforce, expand childcare access and support public education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura has introduced four new bills aimed at standardizing state licensing for electricians, supporting working families and workers striking and improving public education. The proposed legislation seeks to establish licensing requirements for electricians, expand childcare assistance programs for new parents, allow for unemployment benefits for striking workers, and create a task force to examine the impact of expanding licensed librarians in public schools.

Senate Bill 2307 would require electricians to obtain state licensure, ensuring uniform safety standards and enhanced consumer protection. This legislation aims to professionalize the trade, reduce workplace hazards and provide Illinois residents with greater confidence in electrical services.

Illinois requires electricians to be licensed, but without a statewide standard, licensing requirements are left to individual municipalities. The bill seeks to address this issue, as well as create a task force to review if other trades should be licensed by the state.

“This is about public safety, workforce development and raising the standard for skilled trades,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By standardizing licensing requirements, we can ensure electricians have the proper training and expertise to do their jobs safely and effectively across this state.”

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Ventura to bring medication-assisted treatment and new K9 detection pilot programs to prisons, reform medical release policy

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a series of new criminal justice reform policies — including bringing medication-assisted treatment programs into Department of Corrections facilities and continuing to address Prisoner Review Board reforms including medical release hearing changes.

“Aligning our state’s incarceration facilities more closely with a rehabilitation-focused approach — while prioritizing health care and restorative justice over punishment — is key to reducing crime, recidivism and costs to the state,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).

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Ventura explores alternative uses for state land in Will County

SPRINGFIELD — To further economic development and public recreation opportunities in Will County, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at exploring alternative uses for state-owned land.

“These initiatives are about responsible land use and economic growth,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Exploring the potential for agri-food infrastructure could lead to job creation, improved food supply chains and innovative agricultural solutions for our region.”

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Ventura to tackle medical fees and lower prescription drug costs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two new measures to address medical fees and lower prescription drug costs, providing relief to Illinoisans’ health care costs.

“The cost of prescription drugs are on the verge of being raised significantly – leaving millions unsure how they will be able to afford life-saving medications. We cannot allow big pharmaceutical companies to drain people’s pockets when there are much cheaper alternatives,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I also believe it is unfair to penalize individuals who have difficulties making and attending medical appointments with outrageous medical fees of services not rendered. My legislation puts people first in health.”

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