NAPERVILLE — State Senator Laura Ellman is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Federal SNAP dollars are there, but aren’t being released. Now families are wondering how they are going to make ends meet," said Ellman (D-Naperville). "Ensuring that families can put food on the table isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue — it’s a human one."

NAPERVILLE — State Senator Laura Ellman announced the 21^st Senate District is set to receive over $20.45 million for improvements to local roads and bridges as part of the state’s ongoing multi-year construction plan.

“Investing in road infrastructure is investing in the future of our communities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “It’s not just about paving streets — it’s about paving the way for progress in every neighborhood.”

SPRINGFIELD – Crypto kiosk scams are on the rise, and fraudsters are targeting consumers using kiosks to steal Illinoisans hard-earned savings. Taking the lead to combat these scammers, State Senator Laura Ellman’s cryptocurrency scam prevention measure, establishing strong protections, has been signed into law.

“With robust scam prevention measures, like posting clear disclosures on kiosks and implementing protections to keep new users from losing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars, this law will ensure cryptocurrency practices follow the same standards statewide,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We’re prioritizing consumer protections in Illinois and upholding a clear standard for the future of virtual currency.”

With the growing number of cryptocurrency kiosks across the state, Ellman’s law places vital regulations on digital asset kiosks in Illinois. The law requires virtual currency kiosk operators to register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation by July 1, 2027.

SPRINGFIELD – Middle school students across Illinois will soon have the opportunity to get a head start on their high school education, thanks to legislation led by State Senator Laura Ellman. House Bill 3039, recently signed into law, allows seventh and eighth grade students to earn high school credit for certain high school-level courses.

Ellman believes, “Students need support and resources to be successful throughout their academic journey,” (D-Naperville). She continued, “Middle school students preparing for high school deserve to be evaluated based on their academic abilities, not limited by where the course is taught or who is teaching it.”

Under the new law, middle school students who are enrolled in high school courses may earn credit if they: