JOLIET – In the face of high inflation and a tough job market, State Senator Rachel Ventura announced the next round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has opened applications.

“This pre-apprenticeship program is bringing equitable career opportunities to vulnerable communities both in my district and across the state” said Ventura (D-Joliet) “Blue collar jobs can provide rewarding careers and good wages to people who need to support their families. Rather than writing off the Rust Belt we need to bring back our blue collar labor pool to build the bright future Illinoisans deserve.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups – including people of color, veterans, and women in the construction trades. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services, to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program increases economic opportunity for all Illinoisans,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Our state’s workforce is our biggest strength, and the Illinois Works Program is preparing more Illinoisans for jobs in construction and building trades. I encourage all eligible entities to apply for this round of funding.” 

Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31. To learn more and apply for the grant, visit DCEO’s website.

JOLIET– State Senator Rachel Ventura secured $390,000 to boost local tourism in the 43^rd District through the Route 66 Grant Program.

“Tourism is an essential part of our community as it supports our small businesses, enhances our workforce and boosts our local economy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Supporting and securing grants such as these will continue to ensure Route 66 travelers will be able to enjoy all it has to offer and learn more about its history and significance.”

JOLIET – Thanks her advocacy efforts, State Senator Rachel Ventura announced over $475,000 will be coming to local libraries across the 43^rd District through the Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.

“Our public libraries are an integral part of our community ─ connecting residents to critical services, resources and opportunities,” said Ventura (D- Joliet) “We need to continue to support their ability to serve the needs of our community through their programs, facilities and staff as it improves the lives of residents.” 

CHICAGO – With reproductive rights under assault in many states, State Senator Rachel Ventura stood alongside Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias at a press conference condemning Texas’ unlawful use of Illinois license plate reader data to track women who received reproductive care.

“Illinois will not tolerate law enforcement illegally surveilling women who are exercising their right to reproductive care,” said Ventura (D-Joliet) “Out-of-state law enforcement tracking Illinois license plate data is an invasion of privacy and an invasion of women’s rights.”

According to the Illinois Secretary of State, Texas law enforcement has utilized Illinois license plate data to track a woman regarding abortion-related care. This type of surveillance is illegal in Illinois. Under state law backed by Ventura, Illinois police are prohibited from sharing license plate data with out-of-state law enforcement related to immigration status and reproductive care.

In May, law enforcement authorities in Texas performed a nationwide search of more than 83,000 ALPR cameras to locate a woman they said had a self-administered abortion. Included in the search were cameras located in states where abortion is legal – including one located in Mount Prospect in suburban Cook County.

To date, 13 states have outlawed abortion altogether, with no exceptions, and six others have banned or limited access to abortion procedures. With these restrictions, many women seeking reproductive care have traveled to other states, including Illinois.

“If we are going to use license plate readers in our state, we need to be certain law enforcement is following the law regarding its use,” said Ventura. “I applaud the Secretary of State initiating an audit to ensure Illinois data is not falling into the wrong hands. I also commend The Secretary of State’s announcement that they are shutting off out-of-state access to our license plate data to keep Illinoisans safe.”

You can watch the Secretary of State’s press conference here.