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.”

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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura ensuring that the odor of raw or burnt cannabis could not alone constitute a search of a motor vehicle, driver or passenger passed through the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday.

“A recent state Supreme Court ruling gave a conflicting directive between raw and burnt cannabis, shifting a huge burden to law enforcement to know the difference,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill aims to clean up that court ruling by directing law enforcement to consider all factors — not just odor — in deciding if the law has been broken.”