Ellman views governor as strong ally

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“This year, I plan to focus on a number of issues, from combating climate change to quality higher education. I wish I had heard more specific proposals about the environment beyond clean energy, but after hearing him speak, I’m confident that the he will be an ally in making the state a national leader in protecting our natural resources and environment.

Additionally, as I listened to the governor speak, his comments about ethics reform really struck a chord. We need a new level of transparency that surpasses any law we can implement. Our job is to live up to the expectations of the people we represent, and that’s what I plan to do and what every elected official should also be doing.”

Ellman announces library grants for local schools

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) announced today that five local area school districts are set to receive over $40,000 in grants given out by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s School Library Grant program.

The grants, which are issued by the Illinois State Library, are meant to help public schools offer more library books and materials to students.

“I’m grateful to hear that these five districts will receive these grants,” Ellman said. “Libraries play an important role and are a wonderful resource for children of all ages. This additional funding will be helpful for these libraries to continue updating their materials for every student.”

School libraries can use these funds to acquire fiction and/or nonfiction books, educational CDs and DVDs, and library subscriptions to electronic resources, as well as to improve technology by purchasing new computers or improving Wi-Fi connectivity.

Schools receiving school library grants include:

• Naperville CUSD #203 - $12,001.50'
• Benjamin School District #25 – $750.00
• Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD #200 - $9,174.75
• Winfield School District 34 - $750.00
• Indian Prairie CUSD # 204 – $19,908.75

Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2021 are set to be available in August of this year.

Ellman congratulates Harmon on election

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) congratulated newly elected Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) on Sunday evening and stressed the importance of service and accountability and continuing former Senate President John Cullerton’s legacy of building consensus around solutions.

“I want to congratulate Senator Harmon on his new role as our Senate president and look forward to working together,” Ellman said. “The person holding the office of president sets the tone of the chamber for the next month, years, and 'eras,’ so to speak. With a new president, the Illinois Senate will have a fresh start - one that promises service, responsibility and, most importantly, accountability to Illinoisans now and in the future.”

Senator Ellman plans to continue representing and serving the 21st District and to champion environmental protection legislation that will protect Illinoisans across the state from the effects of climate change and prevent future damage to our economy, communities, and environment.

Along with fellow lawmakers, Senator Ellman will return to Springfield under new leadership January 28 for this year’s spring legislative session.

Ellman urges local fire departments to apply for grant

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is pleased to announce that the Office of the State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the state's Small Equipment Grant program.

“Our community’s first responders and firefighters work tirelessly and, in some cases, put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Ellman said. “This grant program is a great opportunity for our firefighters. It can provide additional resources to ensure that they can do their jobs to the best of their abilities to keep our communities as safe as possible."

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.The majority of the state’s fire departments, protection districts and local township fire departments are eligible to apply for this grant.

Ambulance services that qualify as not-for-profit emergency medical service providers are eligible to apply as well. For further information on the application process, or to access a copy of application, visit

www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Feb. 29, 2020 to be considered for the grant.