NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging female small business owners to sign up for the      Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s        “All in for Women: BIG Webinars.” During women’s small business month, the webinars focus on women-owned businesses,      instructing owners on how to navigate eligibility and the application process for business interruption grants offered by the state.

“As women, it’s our responsibility to lift each other up and make      sure that we have access to these  grants and other opportunities,” Ellman said. “If you own a business and are thinking of applying for a BIG grant, take one of these seminars.”

The Business Interruption Grant program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief  for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The program uses federal funds provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses.

In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities, and other operational costs.

“These funds have and will continue to give businesses the ability to reopen with the new guidelines and provide a safer environment for employees and customers,” Ellman said.

In these webinars, women-owned businesses will learn about eligibility, program details, and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.

A total of four webinars are being offered over the course of the month. The dates and time of each webinar is listed below along with links to register.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. Register HERE

Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Register HERE

Tuesday. Oct. 20, 2 p.m. Register HERE

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. Register HERE

NAPERVILLE – Now that summer has come to an end and flu season begins, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging all Illinoisans, especially older adults, to get a flu      shot to lower the burden on our healthcare system, so it can better combat a potential resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Getting yourself a flu shot is a simple way to prevent yourself from getting the seasonal flu,” Ellman said. “Getting your shot will also help lower the burden on our healthcare system as it continues to fight COVID-19.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, older adults and people with chronic health issues are more likely to develop serious complications resulting from an influenza infection. While flu seasons can vary in severity, people 65 years and older tend to be the most vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 70% to 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in adults 65 years and older.

“If you’re an older Illinoisan, this is a simple way to prevent any potential serious health issues as we move into the fall,” Ellman said.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover one flu shot per flu season. It is always advisable to consult a health care provider before seeking medical treatment. You can find out where to get a flu vaccine with Vaccine Finder.

NAPERVILLE – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville)      is addressing the stigma attached to mental health issues and the mental health crisis in Illinois.

“Sadly, there’s still a lot of stigma surrounding people with mental health issues in America,” Ellman said. “We need everyone to look      at mental health the same way they do physical health and make sure anyone who needs help knows they’re not alone.”

The goal of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is to      raise awareness of the realities of suicide, help open up a conversation about mental health and connect individuals with mental health resources.

Research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that about half of individuals who die from suicide are diagnosed with a mental disorder, but about 90% show symptoms of mental illness. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the Center for Disease Control estimates that one quarter of young adults have contemplated suicide. If you, or someone you know is experiencing crisis or suicidal thoughts, call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-TALK (8255) or text NAMI at 741-741 to speak with a crisis counselor.

“There are so many people who are dealing with serious mental health issues, but they’re often afraid to ask for help,” Ellman said. “If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please use the resources that are available, especially during these uncertain times we find ourselves living through.”

NAPERVILLE - The Illinois Environmental Council released its first ever Lifetime Environmental Scorecard, calculating each sitting legislator’s lifetime average score of all votes cast on legislation affecting the environment in the Illinois General Assembly over the course of their legislative career. State Senator Laura Ellman has been recognized for a perfect voting record.

“My record on environmental issues reflects my priorities. Continuing to use science as a guide to ensure we have clean air to breath and safe water to drink will create a better Illinois for all who live in it,” Ellman said. “I stand with the residents in the district I represent to protect our environment and the health of our communities for generations to come.”

Legislators in their first term were only scored on their votes in 2019, the first and only year they were able to vote on bills impacting the environment due to the disruption of the 2020 regular legislative session by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Senator Ellman earned a 100% for their voting record on bills impacting the environment, using their power as a state legislator to protect and defend the people and environment in the district they represent,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Senator Ellman is an emerging environmental champion in the General Assembly, and the Illinois Environmental Council applauds their work protecting our environment in Illinois.”

A total of 64 state legislators received recognition for scoring 90% or higher over the course of their legislative careers. 21 legislators scored a perfect 100% in their first year of recorded votes. IEC releases its scorecard in late summer of each year.