Vella to Focus on COVID Relief for Families, Economic Development in First Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, took the oath of office and was sworn into the Illinois House of Representatives for the 102nd General Assembly on Wednesday, pledging to fight for COVID relief for small businesses and working families, improve economic development, create good-paying jobs, and refuse a taxpayer funded pension. 

“I want to thank the people of the 68th District for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I promise to live up to the trust you have placed in me.” said Vella. “The importance of this moment is not lost on me and I will work hard every day to address the serious challenges facing our communities, our businesses and our families. With every decision that I make, the safety and prosperity of working families and small businesses will be my number one priority.”

Vella, a former public defender, worked as an attorney offering pro bono services for those who could least afford proper representation in the Rockford area. Prioritizing people over profits is a fundamental pillar of Vella’s legislative agenda for the next two years. This includes providing emergency resources to those impacted by COVID, restoring vocational education in our high schools, funding quality schools for local kids and creating good-paying jobs all over Rockford.  

“By bringing good, high-paying jobs to our community and making sure our children have access to the best education and training possible, we can help improve economic development in our area,” said Vella. “I’ll also work to restore trust in government and start by refusing a legislative pension offered to elected officials. Together, we can address the challenges of our state and improve our local communities.”   

Vella is the grandson of former state representative Zeke Giorgi who represented the Rockford area in the Illinois General Assembly for 28 years. 

“My grandfather taught me about the importance of public service,” Vella said. “It is an honor for me to represent our community and serve in the same chamber where he once served. Just as my grandfather did, I will always fight for local families and represent their interests in Springfield.”