SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation that would prevent corporations from double-dipping local taxpayer dollars meant for economic development.

“The goal of this legislation is to ensure surplus taxpayer dollars go back to home owners and not to corporations and private investors who want another payout,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We must ensure these dollars are protected.”

Ventura’s initiative was initially brought to her attention by a local school district that had to send surplus dollars to a warehouse that already had a tax-incentive. The measure seeks to eliminate the problem of double-dipping by private investors who receive tax incentives on both the front and back end of development projects.

SPRINGFIELD – To expand clean energy infrastructure across Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation through the Senate that would allow local government to apply for loans through the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank.

“It is our moral obligation to address the ongoing climate crisis at all levels,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By offering these low-rate loans to local government, we will not only save taxpayers money in the long run, but also address and tackle the effects of climate change head on.”

Senate Bill 3597 would allow units of local government to apply and obtain a loan from the Illinois Finance Authority Climate Bank to build, purchase, remodel or improve clean energy infrastructure.

SPRINGFIELD – To tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks, State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation through the Senate that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

“By encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing our planet for future generations significantly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This grant opportunity would make a big difference in every corner of the state – tackling the deterioration of the planet head on.”

The ramifications of the climate crisis are felt across all tiers of government. With heightened frequency and intensity of storms, local administrations face the imperative of managing flooding and devising solutions for dirt and snow drifts. Moreover, the escalating emissions from transportation and fossil fuel sources demand urgent attention. Scientific research underscores the efficacy of native grasses and trees in carbon capture. In response to these pressing needs, this bill endeavors to establish a grant program tailored for local governments.

SPRINGFIELD – School has become increasingly stressful for students, leading State Senator Rachel Ventura to spearhead legislation that would help students reduce anxiety and focus on their physical and emotional needs during school time.

“A student’s life consists of a variety of stressors – from homework to friend groups and life at home. Giving them at least 20 minutes to relax and focus on their mental health will help them feel less stress and in turn produce better outcomes in the classroom,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Helping students identify ways to manage stress and anxiety is just one benefit that could come from this legislation.”