SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Procurement held a subject matter hearing on a bill led by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would make Illinois the first state to ensure state purchases do not contribute to deforestation, forest degradation or human rights violations.

“Preventing deforestation is one of the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategies. By following the policies set in this legislation, our state can make bold improvements in protecting the climate, biodiversity and human rights,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The state has made a serious commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Now more than ever, we must align Illinois’ procurement policy to match those commitments and move toward a deforestation-free procurement policy.”

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading efforts to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fewer than half of jails surveyed across the nation offer some form of medication for opioid use disorder, with only 12.8% making it available to anyone with the disorder. To address the lack of treatments available for incarcerated individuals in the state, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced Senate Bill 2185 to the Senate.

“Providing these assisted treatments to incarcerated individuals will help break the cycle of addiction, encourage stability in their lives and lead to decreased rates of re-incarceration,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “We have seen this work positively in other states. With overdoses being the leading cause of death among people returning to their communities after incarceration, it is clear we need these treatments available statewide to see a difference.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura presented a new bill in committee that seeks to reform the state's approach to child incarceration. Senate Bill 2156 would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices. Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, the bill aims to create a more compassionate system that protects children’s rights and addresses the broader consequences of criminalization.

“This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation is not just about reforming systems; it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward.”