SPRINGFIELD – Under a measure introduced by State Senator Rachel Ventura, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources would be tasked with expanding grant assistance to enhance local forestry programs and increase tree canopies in underserved and disadvantaged areas.

“In times where global temperatures are increasing and forests are shrinking, we should focus efforts on improving existing forest ecosystems and making them healthier,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Expanding grant funding support for projects related to urban and community forestry is crucial to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis.”

JOLIET – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Rachel Ventura is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“Reading over the summer is a great way to keep kids actively learning. Developing a love of reading at a young age is key to a child's development,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I encourage students of all ages to take advantage of this program to make reading a habit and be rewarded for it.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Ventura’s Joliet office by Aug. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card for a frozen treat from a local ice cream shop and a certificate from Senator Ventura.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced today that her advocacy efforts have led to the successful awarding of $10.6 million in grants to fund improvements to the DuPage River Greenway Trail, Renwick Road Multi-Use Path and Romeoville Route 53 corridor. The grants were awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Infrastructure that is used daily by the public needs to be maintained and updated so we can continue to rely on it,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “These dollars will provide the critical resources needed to make our community’s trails, roads and paths safer and more accessible for all.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the House passage of House Bill 3850, State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Hoan Huynh to pass the legislation through the Senate, adding simulation training as an approved form of continuing education for licensed health care professionals.

“As new and improved technologies continue to shape the medical field, simulation training offers an untapped opportunity to provide continuing education to medical students,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Allowing this type of training expands cutting-edge educational resources.”