JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that Lewis University in Joliet has received funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“In times where it is difficult to find good paying jobs, this initiative aims to help diverse communities across our district secure pre-apprenticeship skills training to advance their careers,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Through Lewis University’s efforts, people will gain valuable information and skills necessary for a stable income.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $550,000 to Lewis University in Romeoville. The program creates a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades, as well as helps participants to secure employment and establish a career in the field.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura issued the following statement after hearing the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal:

“The proposed budget includes investments in education, workforce development and improving the quality of life at our correctional facilities across the state. With the corporate tax loopholes sunsetting this year, it is imperative that we pass a budget that closes these. Working families need the ultra-rich to pay their fair share.

“While there are many promising programs within the budget, I am concerned with the funding of said programs. Over the coming month, my colleagues and I will have continuous talks about the budget to ensure all Illinoisans’ concerns are reflected about the budget.

“My colleagues and I have raised concerns about the quality of life at DOC facilities. This budget is taking positive steps in the right direction by increasing funds for staffing. I am pleased to see $900 million dedicated towards the maintenance and modernization of these facilities.

“The budget proposed today makes important investments in clean energy, job creation and accessibility to higher education. I remain committed to fighting for the residents of the 43rd District and will work across the aisle to ensure a balanced budget is passed.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura filed legislation in Illinois that would legalize psilocybin for adult-supervised use in a licensed service center. The legislation, known as the CURE ACT (Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens Act), aims to tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Additionally, it facilitates research into the safety and efficacy of psilocybin through medical, psychological, and scientific studies.

“As mental health concerns rise throughout our state and nation, it's imperative to acknowledge that conventional treatments don't always suffice,” stated Ventura (D-Joliet). "Psilocybin shows promise as a potential solution, particularly for those grappling with PTSD and other mental health disorders. The ongoing research and trials have yielded encouraging results."

The FDA has labeled psilocybin twice as a "breakthrough therapy" for treatment-resistant depression, indicating federal acknowledgment of its therapeutic promise. In June, the agency released its inaugural guidelines for researchers keen on investigating its potential for medical applications.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura is leading a measure that would increase fines to hospitals that fail to implement a written staffing plan amidst continuous nurse negotiations at the St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet.

“There needs to be accountability for hospitals who negotiate and operate in bad faith,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Numerous nursing strikes have gone on and yet no changes have been implemented – it’s dangerous to the patient and nurses to be understaffed.”

Senate Bill 3217 would increase fines assessed on hospitals for failing to implement a written staffing plan to alleviate staffing shortages and increase pay from $500 to $5,000. Additionally, it would increase fines for failure to comply with the written plan from $500 to $10,000 and allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to revoke or suspend licenses for failure to comply with a plan of corrections a second or subsequent time.