SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded a new law that will incentivize the use of renewable hydropower electricity across the state.

“Lifting the limits on these essential hydropower plants will increase jobs, support the green energy economy and make Illinois self-sustainable,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This will clearly address the ongoing energy problem across the state with real solutions and move Illinois closer to reaching our renewable energy goals.”

Illinois is currently ranked 46th in the nation when it comes to hydropower. With Senate Bill 1474 becoming law, Ventura hopes to advance Illinois’ renewable energy sector.

Under Ventura’s measure, the Illinois Power Agency will procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams to help increase the use of this renewable energy source. The measure promotes environmental conservation by using dams that already exist, such as the Kankakee Hydropower Dam, the Wilmington Dam, and the Brandon Road Lock and Dam.

“I often hear from constituents who are concerned about their power bill and their utilities being too costly, and this measure will help mitigate it,” said Ventura. “Expanding renewable energy, especially base load capacity, through clean and affordable hydropower is crucial for Illinois to meet the demands of the future. Supporting hydropower today will allow Illinoisans to reapeconomic and environmental benefits for decades to come.”

Senate Bill 1474 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Rachel Ventura, a new measure expediting the process for nonviolent offenders entering a work release facility was signed into law Friday.

“We have had great conversations with the Department of Corrections and the Association of Sheriffs on this measure to ensure that these nonviolent incarcerated individuals will not be penalized by waiting behind bars for an unnecessarily long time period,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This is a great step in the right direction to update the current system in place.”

Within 15 days of a committed person being placed in a work release facility, the Department needs to provide information about the committed person to the state's attorney and sheriff of the county in which the work release facility is located. This information includes, but not limited to: the offender's name, age, physical description, photograph, offense, and sentence for which they are serving time in the Department of Corrections.

Under this new law, DOC must provide notice "as soon as reasonably practicable" to incarcerated individuals near the end of their sentence who are eligible for home confinement or other confinement outside a DOC facility.

“About 95% of incarcerated individuals are eventually released to Illinois communities. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make their transition successful,” said Mark McCombs, public analyst for Safer Foundation. “Work release programs like those promoted by Senator Ventura and Representative Ammons’

House Bill 3779 have a proven track record of making those transitions successful. Participants in those programs are 50% less likely to recidivate than those who do not.”

House Bill 3779 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – To improve public safety and cost efficiency by coordinating excavations for the installation and maintenance of broadband infrastructure, State Senator Rachel Ventura proudly put forth the Illinois Dig Once Act, which was signed into law Friday.

“The Illinois Dig Once Act will achieve necessary changes needed to improve broadband infrastructure,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By minimizing trenching and other construction projects in public rights of way, we can alleviate traffic jams and accidents all while improving our state’s broadband accessibility.”

Under Senate Bill 1438, the Department of Transportation, the Illinois Commerce Commission the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will be required to establish rules to reduce the number of road excavations for the installation and maintenance of broadband infrastructure and underground utility facilities.

In addition to rules being established, the measure creates the role of a Dig Once Coordinator within DCEO to facilitate broadband infrastructure and facilities of underground utility projects in public right of ways. Senate Bill 1438 also encourages electric lines to be buried underground so future storms won’t impact electricity.

“We fought hard to ensure that this bill would be signed so that we can begin to work on expanding our broadband to libraries, schools and public spaces,” said Ventura. “Illinois needs to continue working to be technologically up-to-date and by only digging once we can save time, effort and money. This bill will not only save us tax dollars but also coordinating infrastructure improvements.”

Senate Bill 1438 was signed Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

JOLIET – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Rachel Ventura, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $1.5 billion in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.

“Transportation infrastructure is essential to our community as we offer so much to the state in terms of trucking and warehouse operations,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Commuters, visitors and truckers alike will all benefit from this massive investment into our community.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Ventura represents will see 128 infrastructure projects totaling more than $1.5 billion over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:
• I-55 - $123.7 million to replace a bridge at ILL 129 and reconstruction at Lorenzo Road
• I-80 - $1.1 billion for land acquisition in Joliet, New Lenox and Minooka as well as construction engineering and a new bikeway on Ridge Road to US 30
• Route 6 - $9.2 million for pavement preservation in Joliet and Channahon and other various road improvements
• US 52 - $131.9 million for a new bridge replacement at Des Plaines River and Sanitary and Ship Canal as well as major various construction projects in Shorewood and Joliet on River Road to Houbolt Road
These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The plan invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Joliet is a major transportation hub in Illinois, and investments in our roads will help it flourish even farther,” Ventura said. “This significant investment will help us enhance our state’s infrastructure and also equip our economy for the future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 43rd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.