Students in Illinois will learn about people like them in school under new Ellman law

SPRINGFIELD – Public schools will recognize the historical and present-day contributions of Muslim Americans and those of other faiths in the state of Illinois under a new law sponsored by State Senate Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that was signed into law on Thursday.

“It’s our responsibility to ensure all Illinoisans feel represented in this state,” Ellman said. “That begins by making sure students learn about people like them in school.”

The law requires all Illinois public schools to cover contributions made by Americans of different faith practices in history classes. Currently, the teaching of history in Illinois public schools must include the roles of African Americans and other ethnic groups. This legislation would emphasize the importance of contributions by Muslim Americans and other collective communities of faith in the state of Illinois. 

Senate Bill 564 would also honor one of the most famous practicing Muslims in modern American history by creating a new commemorative state holiday, declaring Jan. 17 Muhammad Ali Day in Illinois.

Senator Ellman worked closely with Representative Edgar Gonzalez, Jr. to craft the legislation.

"I'm happy to have championed Senate Bill 564,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “Not only are we highlighting the work and patriotism of Muhammad Ali, but we also help school curriculums capture the diversity of our state and elevate the contributions to society of individuals from all communities of faith.

Senate Bill 564 is effective immediately.

Ellman law will reduce use of PFAS found in firefighting foam

NAPERVILLE – Illinois will begin phasing out toxic PFAS chemicals used in firefighting foam under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that was signed into law on Friday.

“PFAS exposure has been shown to have serious health consequences, including kidney issues and cancer,” Ellman said. “We need to act if we wish to decrease the public’s exposure, especially firefighters.”

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.

The measure would put Illinois on a path to phase out the production, distribution, sale and use of PFAS in Illinois to protect firefighters from potentially toxic exposure while keeping chemical waste out of landfills and waterways, helping to keep Illinois’ environment healthy.

“Reducing harmful forever chemicals is necessary for protecting our health and the environment,” said State Representative Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), the House sponsor of the law. “I am happy to be part of a solution that will phase out these toxic substances being used in firefighting foam."

There are more than 100 alternative foams that can be used as viable replacements, and Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New York have already banned the use of PFAS chemicals.

Senate Bill 561 is effective immediately.

Ellman selected for 2021 Class of Edgar Fellows

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) has been selected to be part of the ninth annual Edgar Fellows Program out of a pool of 187 nominees from all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and the business world.

“The names of those chosen as this year’s Edgar Fellows have been released, and I am incredibly honored to be among them,” Ellman said. “I look forward to experiencing the program with this class, and I expect to learn a lot.”

The fellows gathered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Aug. 1 through Aug. 5 for an intense executive training program featuring more than two dozen policy experts and experienced practitioners. There, fellows had the opportunity to learn from each other in discussions of issues like workforce development, climate change, public safety, disaster planning and intergovernmental cooperation.

The Edgar Fellows Program is an initiative designed by former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs to inspire respectful and collaborative leadership to address the state's major challenges.

Senator Ellman is one of 40 participants selected for the program this year.

More information about the Edgar Fellows Program is available here.

New Ellman law allows college savings plans to be used for educational loans and vocational programs

SPRINGFIELD – Students will be allowed to use 529 college savings accounts for other education-related purposes without additional taxation under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that was signed into law Friday.

“This law reflects the realities of modern-day higher education by allowing college savings plans to be used in more flexible ways,” Ellman said. “Loans and job-training programs are essential to students’ education, and they need to be able to use their savings plans to pay for them.”

A qualified tuition plan, also known as a 529 plan, is a type of savings account used for spending related to a child’s education. Savings in 529 accounts can be withdrawn tax-free for certain educational expenses. The new law allows a person to use up to $10,000 from their 529 savings account for additional education-related purposes without being taxed, making Illinois law consistent with federal law.

These funds can now be used:

1. To cover interest payments on the student’s qualified education loan, and
2. To cover expenses for fees, textbooks, supplies and other materials needed to participate in certain vocational apprenticeship programs registered and certified with the secretary of labor.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a chance to succeed and decide their future,” Ellman said. “This law gives students more opportunities to achieve success in their education.”

House Bill 741 is effective immediately.