Ellman encourages local businesses to apply for Back to Business grants

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local small businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants by submitting applications before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Ellman and the General Assembly allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will continue to award grants on a rolling basis.

“Our small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Ellman said. “Even in the face of unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they kept their doors open and provided necessary services. Now it’s their turn to receive much-deserved help.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. DCEO will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13, 2021.

“Some businesses in the area bouncing back already thanks to the first round of grants,” Ellman said. “I hope to see more local business owners take advantage of this great program.”

Ellman encourages residents to reach out to her office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com with questions or concerns.

Ellman, Glowiak Hilton host donation drive for survivors of domestic violence, women in need

NAPERVILLE – State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) are partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to hold a #LovePurse donation drive for survivors of domestic violence and other local women in need.

“For many women, a new purse full of care items is a symbol of a fresh start,” Ellman said. “By giving them what they might need, we are telling women who are struggling, ‘You matter, you are cared for, and you are worthy.’”

The #LovePurse initiative collects new purses that are filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products, and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Residents are invited to purchase a purse and fill it with dental care supplies, shampoo and conditioner, skincare items, and more, and take it to a local designated drop-off. A full list of suggested supplies can be found on the organization’s website.

“When women fall on tough times, there are numerous challenges they may need to overcome,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Offering support to our neighbors by donating purses filled with love can help build a stronger, more cohesive community.”

Purses and other donations can be dropped off at several locations from Oct. 12 to Nov. 12:

• Lisle Public Library, 777 Front Street, Lisle
• Naperville Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville
• Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross Street, Wheaton
• Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn
• Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst
• Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple Street, Hinsdale (Oct. 12 – Oct. 26)
• Senator Glowiak Hilton’s District Office, 17W715 E. Butterfield Road, Suite F, Oakbrook Terrace

More information about #LovePurse can be found on their website.

Naper Settlement Museum to receive $765,000 in Rebuild Illinois funds

NAPERVILLE – The Naperville Heritage Society will receive $765,000 in state funding to expand the Naper Settlement Museum, a critical investment that will create jobs and advance economic development and tourism in the area, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) announced.

“Naper Settlement has been providing fun and educational experiences for over 50 years,” Ellman said. “It has attracted tourism and economic activity to our community, and I’m thrilled to know this funding will preserve such a phenomenal piece of our local history.”

The Naper Heritage Society will use the funding to construct a new visitor center and exhibition at the Naper Settlement Museum, offering new experiences and encouraging visits from tourists and locals alike.

The Naper Heritage Society is one of just 11 recipients across the state selected to receive funding through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, a component of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities and fostering lasting economic growth.

“The investment into the New Visitor Center and Exhibition at Naper Settlement Museum will not only provide a boost for tourism in Naperville but also allow for local residents of our community to come together and interact with each other, while learning about the great history of Naperville,” State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) said. “The Rebuild Illinois capital grants are providing much needed funding for this project, and I couldn’t be more excited for the new developments to the Naper Settlement Museum.”

A total of $16.5 million has been awarded through the RIRED program. More information about the RIRED program and other state grant programs is available at Illinois.gov/DCEO.

Ellman holds town hall to raise awareness of toxic PFAS chemicals

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) held a town hall Wednesday evening with experts from the Illinois Environmental Council, Sierra Club and Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families to raise awareness of toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam.

“Exposure to these chemicals has been proven time and time again to be dangerous to humans,” Ellman said. “Not only that, but these substances are incredibly harmful to our environment.”

Per-and polyfluoradlkyl substances, frequently called PFAS, are a large group of toxic chemicals that have the ability to repel oil and water, reduce friction, and put out fires. For these reasons, they are especially prevalent in firefighting foam.

There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to negative health effects, like cancer, reproductive issues, and liver and kidney problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“By making residents more aware of the dangers of PFAS, we are able to minimize both human and environmental exposure to the chemicals as we work to eradicate them completely,” Ellman said.

At the town hall, Ellman discussed the threat of PFAS and what Illinois is doing to keep our water safe from contamination, including her own law to phase out the production, distribution, sale and use of PFAS.

Illinois is joining a growing group of states that are banning the use of PFAS chemicals, including Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New York.