Ellman: Don’t be complacent, fill out the census

NAPERVILLE –  State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is      urging residents to participate in the 2020 Census before the Sept. 30 deadline.

DuPage County is slightly above its 2010 response rate, but until there’s a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be negatively affected.

“Our community is doing a wonderful job responding to the census, but our goal should always be a 100 percent response rate,” Ellman said. “Tell your friends and family that we can’t be complacent.  This is one of the most patriotic things you can do right now, and it’s never been easier.”

The census is now safer, more secure, and just as confidential. Filling out the form is crucial as 2020 brings new congressional district maps, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will affect communities across Illinois for the next 10 years.

Currently, 83.6% of Naperville residents, 83.7% of Wheaton residents and 85.3% of Winfield residents have filled out the form this year. This still leaves nearly one in every six residents who have not filled yet filled it out. Ellman is reminding residents that although many of the communities in the 21st Illinois Senate District have a high response rate, it’s still imperative to fill out your census.

“When it comes to getting our rightful share of tax dollars, there is always room to improve," said Ellman. "If you've already taken the census, remind others who haven't."

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov, or by calling 844-330-2020.

Ellman: Illinois has extended driver’s license renewals for older drivers

NAPERVILLE – To allow nearly 150,000 older Illinoisans to avoid long lines and crowds at the driver services facility, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is informing drivers 75 and older that the expiration date for their driver’s licenses have been extended by one year.

“There’s simply no pressing reason for our most vulnerable population to put themselves at risk,” Ellman said. “Older adults should be avoiding large crowds and long lines in the heat, especially during this pandemic.”

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility are required to wear a face mask. Additionally, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Ellman continues to encourage drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards. Naperville residents can reach their local driver services facility at (312) 793-1010.

To find the closest driver services facility near you, visit cyberdrive.illinois.com, click on the facility finder, and enter your ZIP code in the search bar.

Ellman highlights $2 million grant for Winfield public playgrounds

NAPERVILLE – In an effort to enhance economic growth in the area, State Senator Laura Ellman announced that a $2 million    grant has been awarded to the Winfield park district for several  playground upgrades.

Funding is supported by the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction plan and will be used to speed up public works projects and long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities around the state. The grants are being released as part of $24.8 million in funding from the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program, with $14.7 million for projects located in Opportunity Zones.

“I was happy to see Winfield Park District included in Rebuild Illinois funding. Playgrounds are important pieces of local parks and allow children and families to spend valuable outdoor time together,” Ellman said. “This grant will help renew these spaces and focus on communities that need it the most.”

As part of the Fast-Track Capital grant, DCEO awarded grants for 17 construction projects. Projects include utility work projects, street infrastructure and large-scale playground modernization to playgrounds part of Winfield park district. 

“I would like to thank the the governor for his continued commitment to revitalizing communities in through the Fast Track grant program,” Ellman said. “I look forward to bringing more grants like these to the area as we all continue to deal with the new reality we face due to COVID-19.”

Fast Track is one of multiple new programs created by the state to provide emergency assistance for businesses and communities facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DuPage and Will county small businesses to receive over $500,000 in pandemic relief grants

NAPERVILLE – In an effort to provide support to small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19  crisis, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) announced 29 local businesses will receive nearly $500,000 through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary new  challenges for our local small businesses,” Ellman said. “So many   of these businesses have worked hard to follow new guidelines,    so I’m thrilled to see so many are receiving these well deserved grants.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to businesses hit particularly hard by pandemic-related closures and restrictions. First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and any other pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, new technology and training.

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding, including a special program for child care providers. The application deadline for this program is Aug. 14.

“These additional funds will give businesses the ability to reopen with the new guidelines and provide a safer environment for employees and customer,” Ellman said. “These grants are just some of the first steps that need to be taken to safely reopen our state economy and eventually eradicate the virus, so we can get back to everyday life.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.