Indian-American State Senator connects with, seeks suggestions from community on COVID-19

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Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, is reaching out to constituents outlining work he has been doing and seeking suggestions on what more could be done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press release from his office, the first Indian-American Senator in Illinois has been more than busy despite the lockdown.

To date, his office and him have provided and participated in, calls to more than 100,000 constituents to offer assistance and to answer questions; sent regular newsletter updates, FAQs, and resource guides with the latest information; made wellness check calls to 6,139 seniors, speaking with 855 of them to connect them to vital federal, state, and local services;    assisted on 158 total COVID-19 related constituent cases.

He is also responsible for 137 food pantry/grocery deliveries, and creating a GoFundMe that raised approximately $15,000 in support of local food pantries.

Among other tasks his office has taken up is coordinating constituent services with other governmental offices; and making online presentations and briefings with fellow local lawmakers and community leaders, including town halls on resources for small businesses, first responders, and schools.

He also held a community call with residents of the 60645 Zip Code to help coordinate the response to the high COVID-19 rate in the community; holding an Asian American Caucus call with the Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou and various non-profits serving the Asian American community; also holding an Asian American Caucus Webinar to assist Asian American businesses in collaboration with the Asian American Legislative Caucus, the Asian American Executive Network, and the Asian American Coalition of Chicago.

“People need the support of their elected officials more than ever during this unsettling time,” Villivalam is quoted saying in the press release.

“I encourage anyone in the 8^th District who needs help and/or has suggestions on how we can help to reach out to me and my office.”

“If you have suggestions, thoughts, and/or comments on what can be done to improve this unprecedented and unsettling situation, please let me know,” Villivalam reiterates on his website.

To contact Senator Villivalam and/or his staff, call (872) 208-5188 or visit his website, www.senatorram.com, to send an email.