Be counted! 2020 census

Dear friends,

We are living in an unprecedented time. To get through this situation, we have all relied on more financial help from the federal government than most of us have ever seen before – from unemployment insurance, to e-learning, to COVID-19 testing.

The best way to make sure our communities get the support they need – and deserve – from Washington, D.C. is by filling out the Census. The 10-minute questionnaire will impact how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact your community for the next decade.

By now, everyone should have received mail from the U.S. Census Bureau. The letter either contains your household’s Census ID number to be used when filling out the census online at my2020census.gov or the questionnaire itself.

The information you provide will impact your community every day — from influencing public health to school programs.

Please take time to help shape the future. Your response matters. More than that, you can help keep census workers and their families safe by reducing their exposure to COVID-19.

If you have any questions, please reach out to my office at (630) 453-5488.

Sincerely,

Laura Ellman

State Senator | 21st District

Changes to the Stay at Home Order

Dear friends, 

To continue our progress in containing the spread of COVID-19, Gov. JB Pritzker announced he will extend and modify the Stay at Home Order through the end of May.

This modification is an effort to give Illinoisans more flexibility while maintaining social distancing—under the new Stay at Home Order, you may be able to spend more time outside, reopen your business or even return to work.

Here are some changes you can expect to see beginning May 1:

Face coverings will be required in public indoor spaces.

Beginning May 1, individuals over the age of 2 will be required to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces where they can’t maintain six feet of social distance, including grocery stores. The modified order will also include occupancy limits for essential businesses.

You’ll have more options for outdoor activities.

State parks will begin a phased reopening in May, and fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Golf will also be permitted, as long as golfers respect strict safety guidelines and social distancing measures.

Some businesses will reopen.

Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries, as well as animal grooming services, will be allowed to reopen as essential businesses. Non-essential retail stores may reopen to fulfill curbside pickup and delivery orders. However, these businesses must follow social distancing guidelines and require customers and employees to wear face coverings.

 If you return to work, you’ll be safer.

Read more: Changes to the Stay at Home Order

Ellman highlights volunteering during National Volunteer Month

NAPERVILLE – Every April, individuals and organizations across the nation recognize the importance of volunteering. State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local residents to help give back to the community during this public health crisis by volunteering.

“Volunteering has been absolutely crucial during this uncertain time,” Ellman said. “You can safely maintain social distancing guidelines while helping your local communities. Help of any kind has and will continued to be valued by the individuals working on the front lines of this pandemic.”

Read more: Ellman highlights volunteering during National Volunteer Month

Important resources for you

Dear friend,

I hope that you made the most of this past holiday weekend despite the Stay at Home order. Though we must maintain physical distance, I hope you’re still being social by connecting with loved ones virtually.

If the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll mentally, that’s understandable.

The governor announced a new Emotional Support Line that could help.

Use the Illinois Department of Human Services’ support text line by texting “TALK” to 552-020.

Read more: Important resources for you