SPRINGFIELD – Following severe water rate hikes that affected Bolingbrook and the surrounding area, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would discourage municipalities from selling off their water lines to private companies and would disincentive companies from raising prices for the rest of the ratepayers.

“Access to water is a human right, and the exorbitant price hikes put in place by private water companies put that right in danger,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation would encourage local governments to keep their water systems in their own hands and prevent private water companies from passing off the cost of out of town systems onto existing ratepayers."

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the far-reaching effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision, State Senator Rachel Ventura has filed two measures aimed at reducing the influence of corporate and billionaire spending in Illinois elections and restoring power to voters.

The Citizens United ruling allowed corporations to spend unlimited money to influence elections, fundamentally reshaping campaign finance across the country. Ventura’s legislation seeks to counter those effects at the state level by increasing transparency around corporate political spending and restricting corporations from directly influencing state and local elections.

SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing residents’ need for reliable, high-speed internet access – especially for active participation in today’s society – State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced two new measures that would expand on and protect broadband access for Illinoisans.

“Investments in broadband are essential for all Illinoisans, regardless of whether they live in a rural, suburban or urban community,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We’ve entered a new age where broadband is no longer a luxury, but an essential amenity, driving economic activity, improving education, expanding health care access and enhancing public services for all.” 

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a package of legislation aimed at addressing the growing role of private equity firms in Illinois’ housing market, which has driven up home prices, reduced housing availability and turned residential properties into high-profit investment assets while many Illinois families struggle to find affordable places to live.

“Across Illinois, we are seeing private equity firms purchase large numbers of homes and apartment buildings, treating housing as a commodity instead of a basic human need,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “When housing becomes a lucrative investment vehicle, families are forced to compete with corporate buyers, rents increase and pathways to homeownership disappear. These bills are designed to stop predatory practices and help put housing back into the hands of the people who live in these communities.”