Ellman strives to protect Illinois public schools from radon

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman introduced a measure to protect students, teachers and staff from radon exposure by requiring routine testing for all Illinois public schools.

“This legislation builds on previous protections to safeguard Illinoisans from life-threatening radon exposure by reinforcing safety practices for some of our most vulnerable populations – our students,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Establishing regular radon testing in public schools is necessary to mitigate the onset of harmful health complications like lung cancer, with over 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths reported in the nation each year.”

Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. Senate Bill 2438 would require all occupied public school buildings to test for radon by Jan. 1, 2029 and at least once every five years afterwards. Additionally, all new public schools would be built using radon-resistant construction techniques in accordance with the American National Standards Institute and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists.

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Hiring Summer Interns!

Last call for summer interns! If you are a current college student interested in state government and in need of a summer job, consider applying for our part time paid internship. This is not only a great opportunity for you to work during the school break, but it also helps build your professional resume and experience. If you are interested, please send us your cover letter and resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Book Drive for Aunt Mary's Storybook Project

From now through March 31, we’ll be collecting new books for babies up to 17 years old. Consider donating books in the following areas: Board Books, Books for Babies & Toddlers, Beginning Readers, Chapter Books, Young Adult Novels, Graphic Novels, Poetry, and Folk & Fairy Tales, Books about Families & Relationships, Feelings & Emotions, Sports, Bullying, Diversity, and Adventure. Purchase or drop off new books at the Bookstore of Glen Ellyn or Swallow Stories Bookshop in Lisle. 

Aunt Mary’s Storybook project, part of Companions Journeying Together, works to bridge the emotional distance between incarcerated parents and their children. Your donation will provide children with a new book and a personal audio recording of their parent reading the story.

Aunt Mary’s Storybook’s mission is to preserve familial relations once a parent or grandparent is imprisoned. As part of the program, volunteers from Companions Journeying Together set up a temporary bookstore in the prison facility and record the incarcerated parent reading a book aloud. Packages with the book, the audio recording, and other personal messages are then delivered to children living with relatives or foster families. To learn more about their work visit here.

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Ellman: Proposed budget demonstrates financial responsibility and stability

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased by the Governor’s proposed budget, which not only lays out a clear path toward addressing our state’s fiscal realities, but also prioritizes the key issues that matter most to Illinois residents. This budget recognizes the critical need for fiscal responsibility while ensuring we protect Illinois from harmful policies and overreach from the federal administration.

“As we work toward a balanced budget, it’s crucial that we focus on affordability for working families. I am encouraged by the Governor’s continued commitment to improving access to affordable health care and housing – issues that are vitally important to so many residents. By prioritizing these areas, we take concrete steps toward reducing economic insecurity and making our state a more accessible place to live.

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