Ellman measure expands funding to provide students free meals

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure all students receive access to school meals, State Senator Laura Ellman introduced legislation that will invest in the Healthy School Meals for All Program.

“All students need balanced meals to nourish their learning capabilities and improve their overall mental performance throughout the school day,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This vital investment strengthens a program that allows students to focus on their studies rather than if their family can afford their next meal.”

Senate Bill 3247 would invest $209 million in the State Board of Education for expenses related to the Healthy School Meals for All Program.

Under current law, the State Board of Education is required to establish and maintain this program by distributing funds appropriated for this program to participating school boards. Through this program, all students enrolled in the schools will receive free breakfast and lunch.

“Students have more opportunities to succeed when their most essential needs are met first,” said Ellman. “I will continue to support our schools and uplift them in the effort to serve Illinois students as they, in turn, lead us into the next generation.”

Senate Bill 3247 awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.

New Ellman law protects Illinois renters from radon

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois renters will be further protected from radon thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Ellman that took effect Jan. 1.

“This law builds on protections for Illinois renters by establishing safety practices and reinforcing their rights in order to feel secure,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Preemptive measures against radon exposure are necessary to decrease the onset of its harmful effects, including radon-related lung cancer.”

Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. House Bill 2217 establishes a timeframe for tenants to terminate their lease should the dwelling unit exceed radon limits. Moreover, landlords are required to provide tenants with a disclosure form and related documents to inform them of the risks of radon and their legal rights. The new law enhances renter protection by providing a tenant 90 days to conduct their own radon test of the dwelling unit and the right to evenly split any mitigation costs with consent from the lessor.

“Renters now have the option to perform their own radon tests in the event their residence exceeds radon limits,” said Ellman. “With early detection, Illinois renters can seek mitigations that will safeguard their homes.”

House Bill 2217 took effect Jan. 1.

Six school districts to receive over $20,000 in library grants thanks to Ellman

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Laura Ellman, six school districts in the Naperville area have received over $20,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“School libraries offer many necessary services to students, and the resources we give to them are put back into our community,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Funding our school libraries helps foster an enriching learning environment and provides students of all ages with access to modern learning tools.”

Funding for School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Ellman’s district received a total of $28,830:

• Community Consolidated School District 89 - $1,857
• Glen Ellyn School District 41 - $2,831
• Glenbard Township High School District 87 - $6,683
• Lisle Community Unit District 202 - $1,239
• Lombard Elementary School District 44 - $2,471
• Naperville Community Unit School District 203 - $13,746

Read more: Six school districts to receive over $20,000 in library grants thanks to Ellman

Ellman announces North Central College will receive funding to address student homelessness

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman announced that North Central College will receive $129,992 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“Students have an important role in our society — they carry the torch for future generations,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “North Central College will now be able to address the needs of its most vulnerable students so they can be strong leaders and learners.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. North Central College is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The grants were awarded by a competitive application process based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation. The $129,992 investment to North Central College is just one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students.

“Student success should not be mitigated by food insecurity or factors related to homelessness,” said Ellman. “This grant will ensure students’ well-being and gives them the opportunity to succeed.”

For more information on the End Student Housing Insecurity grants, click here.