SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman was sworn into office Wednesday to represent Illinois’ 21^st Senate District.

“I’m overjoyed at the prospect of serving Illinois’ 21^st Senate District again and I remain committed to serving my constituents and gaining wisdom through experience,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “My work always begins with constituents and families and ends with positive advancements for all Illinois residents.”

During the 102^nd General Assembly, Ellman passed two constituent service initiatives into law: one being House Bill 4664 which prevents insurers from charging higher out-of-pocket costs to residents seeking out-of-network health care services due the moral objections of their usual health care provider, the other being Senate Bill 3786 which designated Dolostone as Illinois’ official state rock. Senator Ellman also advanced legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and legislation aimed to make Illinois a regional leader as a hydrogen hub.

The 103^rd General Assembly marks Ellman’s second term serving as Senator for the 21^st District, which includes parts of Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville and Wheaton.

“I am proud of the work my colleagues and I were able to accomplish so far,” said Ellman. “There is still much work to be done and I am excited to build on the productive measures we passed during the previous legislative session.”

Constituents can contact Ellman by visiting www.SenatorLauraEllman.com or by making an appointment at her new district office at 24W500 Maple Ave., Suite 215, Naperville, IL 60540.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to advocate for reproductive health, State Senator Laura Ellman supported a new measure that ensures access to reproductive health care for Illinois residents and prevents insurers from charging higher out-of-pocket costs to residents seeking out-of-network health care services.

"There are many circumstances in which someone would decide to seek an out-of-network provider for potentially lifesaving reproductive health care,” said Ellman (D- Naperville). “Illinois residents seeking health care services should not be financially penalized if they are forced to seek an out-of-network provider due the moral objections of their usual health care provider.”

In addition to financial protections when seeking out-of-network health care due the moral objections of their usual health care provider, House Bill 4664 protects access to reproductive health care services and offers legal protections for patients and health care providers who seek reproductive health care that is lawful in Illinois.

Under current law, Illinois residents have the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health care. Additionally, health care providers are permitted to implement reproductive health care procedures until the point of viability and after if necessary for the health of the patient.

“Adequate financial and legal protections for both patients and health care workers is indispensable in this day and age,” said Ellman. “These protections will ensure the reproductive health of current and future Illinois residents.”

The measure is similar to a California law that protects patients and health care providers from out-of-state laws suggesting criminal and civil liability for assisting and seeking reproductive health care procedures that are illegal in other states.

House Bill 4664 passed the Illinois Senate and awaits further consideration in the Illinois House.

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NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting two constituent roundtable meetings to offer community members the opportunity to participate in conversations about policy regarding education and the environment.

“I can’t stress how critical community feedback is to the work I do every day, both here at home and down in Springfield,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We couldn’t have picked more important topics—education and the environment—and I’m really looking forward to sitting down with members of our community and having meaningful conversations.”

Education Roundtable
The education roundtable will be held in Warrenville on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Community members wishing to attend can register by visiting SenatorLauraEllman.com/EdRoundtable2022.

Environmental Roundtable
The environmental roundtable will also be held in Warrenville on the following Thursday, Oct. 20, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Community members wishing to attend can register at SenatorLauraEllman.com/EnviroRoundtable2022.

These meetings are intended to be small group discussions and capacity is limited, so registration is required. Registered attendees will receive more information about the events, and excess registrants will be placed on a waiting list for the meetings. Students and other young people are especially encouraged to participate.

Questions ahead of the meetings can be directed to Ellman’s district office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr extend their congratulations to three local schools selected by the U.S. Department of Education to be 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“Anyone who is fortunate enough to live and raise kids in our community already knows how great our local schools are,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “High-quality public education is vital when it comes to shaping future generations, and these exceptional schools could not be more deserving of recognition.”

The U.S. Department of Education named 297 schools nationwide to its 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools list, 17 of which were located in Illinois, and three in the district Ellman represents. Award recipients Elmwood Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School, and Steeple Run Elementary School are all part of Naperville Community Unit School District 203.

The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. Selected schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.

“When it comes to investing in our community and getting on the best path for success, few things are as important as well-equipped schools and dedicated teachers and faculty,” said Yang Rohr (D-Naperville). “I’d like to thank all of our phenomenal educators and extend sincere congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”

More information about the National Blue Ribbon School award and a full list of recipients is available at NationalBlueRibbonSchools.ed.gov.