Ellman invites residents to attend mobile office hours

NAPERVILLE – In order to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources to residents throughout the 21st District, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is kicking off the new year by offering residents the opportunity to meet with her constituent services team at two separate mobile office hours events.

“The work I do every day is shaped by the members of the community and the issues that concern them most,” Ellman said. “I can’t stress how important it is to get their feedback, and how necessary community input is to the legislative process.”

Community members will have two opportunities to meet with Ellman’s constituent service team to receive assistance with state agencies, provide input to the Senator and receive informational resources:

Wednesday, Feb. 2
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lisle Library, 777 Front Street, Lisle

Thursday, Feb. 3
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wayne Township Building, 27W031 North Avenue, West Chicago

Ellman encourages residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119.

Ellman support brings over $850,000 in COVID-19 relief to local businesses

NAPERVILLE – More than 20 small businesses across the 21^st District were recently awarded over $850,000 in Back to Business grant funding, thanks to legislative measures supported by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Our small businesses have kept their doors open and served our community through the last two years of this pandemic against all odds,” Ellman said. “I’m pleased to know they are receiving this much-deserved assistance in recognition of their contributions and dedication.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity selects grantees, and the grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan. The DCEO has dispersed $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses across Illinois who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twenty-one businesses in the district Ellman represents received grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 in this round of funding to help them recoup losses from the past two years, and continue to keep their doors open to the community.

“It’s a privilege to be able to support our local businesses and bring their interests and needs to the table,” Ellman said. “They keep our community vibrant and our economy strong—our small businesses truly are some of our most valuable assets.”

Grants will continue to be awarded statewide on a rolling basis. More information about the B2B program, as well as a full list of grantees, is available on the DCEO’s website.

Ellman’s office collecting valentines for local health care workers

NAPERVILLE – To show appreciation for all of their hard work, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is collecting Valentine’s Day cards to be distributed to health care workers in the community.

“Over the last two years, our health care workers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect our community,” Ellman said. “This is a great opportunity for us to offer care and support to our neighbors who have cared for and supported us, and who have been carrying the weight of this pandemic on their backs.”

Ellman is encouraging churches, schools and community members of all ages across the 21^st District to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off at drive-by drop-off events on Feb. 5 and 6. Once all cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various local health care facilities.

Cards can be dropped off at the following locations:

Parking lot of Fresh Thyme Naperville
790 Royal Saint George Drive, Naperville
Saturday, Feb. 5, 10-11 a.m.

Parking lot of Mariano's Wheaton
625 S. Main Street, Wheaton
Sunday, Feb. 6, 4-5 p.m.

Ellman’s office can be reached at 630-601-9961 with questions.

Illinois celebrates first Muhammad Ali Day thanks to Ellman resolution

NAPERVILLE – On Monday, Jan. 17, Illinois will be celebrating Muhammad Ali Day for the first time, thanks to a resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Muhammad Ali set a fantastic example for us all by showing how to be dedicated to our passions and courageous in our convictions,” Ellman said. “Through both his athletic career and his philanthropic work, he spent a lifetime working for the betterment of society as a whole.”

Ali was well known for his successful career as a professional boxer. In his 21 year career, he won the Olympic Gold Medal and the heavy weight title three times, earning him the title “America’s Champ.”

Outside of the ring, Ali was a dedicated philanthropist who was known to have deliberate conversations with those holding opposing views as a means to unite people from all walks of life. He also worked with the Special Olympics and the Make a Wish Foundation, and assisted at local soup kitchens and hospitals.

“Ali truly was a champion, both in the ring and outside of it,” Ellman said. “He left behind a legacy that we are proud to commemorate here in Illinois.”

Ali was a devoted Muslim who worked to show the world that Islam means peace, and he credited his faith for giving him the courage to stand up against injustices worldwide. Even after retiring from the ring and being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Ali remained dedicated to his work as a global humanitarian and ambassador of goodwill.

This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day also falls on Jan. 17, offering Illinoisans the opportunity to celebrate two American champions of civic justice, and to remember and perpetuate their courage and hope for a better world for all.