SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) designed to recognize the historical and present-day contributions of Muslim culture in the state of Illinois passed committee Tuesday.

 “This measure looks to strengthen the awareness of cultural contributions made by the Muslim community across the nation and the state of Illinois,” Ellman said. “It’s our job to make sure all Illinoisans feel represented in this state. This measure makes sure we begin that process.”

 The measure would require all Illinois public schools to cover contributions made by Muslims and Muslim Americans in history classes. Currently, the teaching of history in Illinois public schools must include the roles African Americans and other ethnic groups. This legislation would emphasize the importance of Muslim contributions in the state of Illinois.

 The measure would also honor one of the most famous practicing Muslims in modern American history by creating a new commemorative state holiday, declaring Jan. 17 Muhammad Ali Day in Illinois.

 “Ali was known for his bravado in the ring, but for his lifelong humanitarian efforts, he served quietly,” Ellman said. “He really did float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.”

 Senate Bill 564 passed the Senate Education Committee with a vote of 11-3 and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.

NAPERVILLE – With spring just around the corner and more Illinoisans spending time outside, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating the DuPage County Forest Preserve District on a $100,000 grant to build a new bike path.

“Bike paths play a large role in communities across the 21st District and the state,” Ellman said. “I use the paths for walks and bike rides throughout the year, which is why I was thrilled to hear about this grant coming to our local forest preserve.”

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District will receive $100,000 to construct a quarter mile bike path along the forest preserve        on the east side of Naperville-Plainfield Road. The path will connect a sidewalk along the Brighton Ridge subdivision to a path parking lot in the forest preserve.

“This funding can help local governments develop and improve existing bike paths,” Ellman said. “Investing in bike paths offers residents additional opportunities for recreation and to simply get outside.”

The Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was created in 1990 to provide grants to eligible local governments for projects that develop, rehabilitate or construct new bike paths. This year, the program will fund seven bike path projects across the state totaling more than $800,000.

More information about the program, eligible projects and the application process is available here. 

NAPERVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for      field trips. This year, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating classes at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago and Evergreen Elementary School in Carol Stream on being selected as winners.

“This grant program will provide these students with the chance to learn about nature outside of the classroom,” Ellman said. “I’m thrilled that not one, but two classes in the 21st District were      chosen for the program.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Benjamin Middle School’s 6th grade class will take a trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus, and Evergreen Elementary’s 4th grade class will head to The Morton Arboretum. At both locations, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville)      chaired the Senate Financial Institutions Committee for the first      time Wednesday.

“I’m honored and excited to represent the 21st District as chair of      the Senate Financial Institutions Committee,” Ellman said. “Our financial institutions play an important role in our state and local economies.”

The Senate Financial Institutions Committee primarily deals with legislation and policy that will affect the state’s financial services sectors. Which includes banks, credit union and other lenders.

The first and only measure heard before the committee was sponsored by Ellman.

“This measure simply brings the state’s college savings pool program in line with federal requirements,” Ellman said. “It also ensures these plans can pay for certain vocational programs.”

The measure would amend the State Treasurer Act and make changes to the College Savings Pool, in order to bring the program in line with federal requirements governing 529 college savings plans.

As chair of the Financial Institutions Committee, Ellman intends to produce a more equitable, and accessible financial environment for Illinoisans.

Senate Bill 168 passed the Senate Financial Institutions Committee with a vote of 6-0 and will be reported to the Senate Floor for further consideration.