NAPERVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating classes at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago and Evergreen Elementary School in Carol Stream on being selected as winners.
“This grant program will provide these students with the chance to learn about nature outside of the classroom,” Ellman said. “I’m thrilled that not one, but two classes in the 21st District were chosen for the program.”
The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.
Benjamin Middle School’s 6th grade class will take a trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus, and Evergreen Elementary’s 4th grade class will head to The Morton Arboretum. At both locations, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.
More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) chaired the Senate Financial Institutions Committee for the first time Wednesday.
“I’m honored and excited to represent the 21st District as chair of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee,” Ellman said. “Our financial institutions play an important role in our state and local economies.”
The Senate Financial Institutions Committee primarily deals with legislation and policy that will affect the state’s financial services sectors. Which includes banks, credit union and other lenders.
The first and only measure heard before the committee was sponsored by Ellman.
“This measure simply brings the state’s college savings pool program in line with federal requirements,” Ellman said. “It also ensures these plans can pay for certain vocational programs.”
The measure would amend the State Treasurer Act and make changes to the College Savings Pool, in order to bring the program in line with federal requirements governing 529 college savings plans.
As chair of the Financial Institutions Committee, Ellman intends to produce a more equitable, and accessible financial environment for Illinoisans.
Senate Bill 168 passed the Senate Financial Institutions Committee with a vote of 6-0 and will be reported to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) has introduced two measures that would begin phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals in Illinois.
“PFAS chemicals are also known as ‘forever chemicals’, because they’re too small to filter and their internal bonds are so strong that they don’t break down,” Ellman said. “There’s evidence that exposure to PFAS can cause a variety of health problems. We must act now if we want reduce the exposure of these chemicals in our water.”
Per-and polyfluoradlkyl substances (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 used in everyday products such as waterproof apparel, nonstick cookware and food wrappers. They are especially prevalent in firefighting foam.
There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health effects, like cancer, reproductive issues, and liver and kidney problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies have found PFAS contamination of drinking and groundwater in 49 states, including Illinois.
The first measure introduced by Ellman would establish a takeback program for PFAS-based firefighting foam through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The program would allow fire departments to switch to PFAS-free alternatives, protecting firefighters from potentially toxic exposure, while keeping chemical waste out of landfills and waterways.
The second measure would put Illinois on a path to phase out the production, distribution, sale and use of PFAS in Illinois to keep first responders, consumers and the environment healthy.
“What has made these chemicals so useful, is also what has made them the problem,” Ellman said. “They’re durable and break down slowly, which causes a toxic buildup in our environment.”
Senate Bills 561 and 562 now await committee assignment in the Illinois Senate.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) was appointed to the Illinois Legislative Audit Commission Friday. Ellman is one of six senators who will serve on the bipartisan commission.
“I’m pleased to be given the opportunity to continue the important work of the commission on behalf of the people of Illinois and the 21st district,” Ellman said. “Ensuring bipartisan oversight of our state agencies is a necessity to any functioning government.”
The bipartisan commission is responsible for the oversight of the State Audit Program, reviews the administration of public funds, and oversees actions to improve agency policies. The membership includes 12 legislators appointed by members of the Senate and House of Representatives and is equally assigned between the two chambers and parties.
The commission is mandated to review all audits conducted by the State Auditor General.
Primary responsibilities of the commission include:
• Host public hearings on all major audits of state agencies to review problems, review agency administration, and secure corrective action.
• Make recommendations to the General Assembly and agency management for corrective legislation and other methods to strengthen weaknesses revealed through audits or at commission hearings.
• Monitor agency progress in implementing corrective action.
For additional information on the commission and upcoming meetings, visit www.ilga.gov.
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