Ellman applauds Illinois EPA’s decision to begin testing for PFAS chemicals in water supplies

NAPERVILLE – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced it will begin testing all community water supplies in the state for potential contaminants, a decision State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) says could help protect the health of both residents and the environment.

The Illinois EPA will begin testing for per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances (PFAS), human-made chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. They are widely used for      waterproofing and stain-fighting applications in a range of commercial products such as waterproof clothing, food wrappers and many household products.

“I’m glad to see the Illinois EPA being proactive and measuring the prevalence of PFAS chemicals in our water supply,” Ellman said. “This will allow us to learn more about concentration levels and variability of PFAS compounds, which in turn helps us understand risk. I expect this data will be very useful.”

According to the Illinois EPA, if PFAS chemicals are detected in concentrations above a certain level, additional assessments or actions may be needed to protect residents’ health and the environment.

“Our statewide drinking water investigation will produce essential data on these emerging contaminants, which will allow us to identify areas where action must be taken to reduce human health risks associated with these chemicals in drinking water,” said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim.

The Illinois EPA will collect data on a total of 18 PFAS chemicals to help develop future regulations for PFAS levels in drinking water. The research is expected to take 12 to 15 months to complete.

For additional information, please visit the Statewide PFAS Investigation Network webpage.

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.