NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced more than $17 million in funding for road and bridge improvement projects across the 21st District.

“By repairing and replacing our aging infrastructure, we quite literally keep our communities connected,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “In order to get to work, go to school, or visit our loved ones, we need safe and reliable roads and bridges.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, local communities will see 14 infrastructure projects totaling $17,089,000 over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• $9,332,000 for replacement of the Washington Street bridge in Naperville
• $1,972,000 for improvements on 87th Street in Naperville
• $183,000 for bridge repairs on IL-38/Roosevelt Road at Winfield Creek
• $379,000 for improvements on Batavia Road in Warrenville

The multi-year plan has allocated $34.6 billion in construction projects across Illinois over the next six fiscal years. 

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Without safe, well-maintained infrastructure, our communities become inaccessible—not only to those of us that live here, but those who want to visit and take advantage of the great things our community has to offer,” Ellman said. “Through this investment in our infrastructure, we will create jobs and foster opportunities for our local economy to thrive.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 21st Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is partnering with State Representative Janet Yang Rohr to host a Heroes & Helicopters event to celebrate local first responders and connect community members with the heroes who protect them every day.

“This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to get to know more about the brave men and women who keep us safe,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Especially for kids, the large and sometimes loud vehicles used by first responders, or their unusual equipment or gear, can be a little scary. This event is meant to not only put residents in touch with our many local safety services, but to build trust in heroes from across our community.”

At this family-friendly event, there will be several public safety vehicles and a medical helicopter for kids to see up close. Residents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the numerous community safety services and organizations and gain familiarity with local first responders.

The event will be held at the Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. More information is available on Ellman’s Facebook page, and questions can be directed to her office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is encouraging local families and educators to save money ahead of the new school year by taking advantage of Illinois’ upcoming 10-day tax holiday on school supplies.

“Back-to-school is an expensive time for many families across the state, and even more so now, with increased costs across the board for school supplies and other important items,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I’m proud to have supported this tax holiday that will help relieve some of that financial burden and ensure our kids have the supplies they need to learn and thrive in the upcoming year.”

The new law, which went into effect July 1, 2022, lowers the state tax rate on qualifying school supplies from 6.25% down to 1.25% from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, 2022.

Shoes, coats, winter accessories, ties and school uniforms under $125 will qualify for the tax break, as well as binders, folders, backpacks, lunch boxes, calculators, notebooks and writing supplies.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting a STEAM Academy for local students to get them excited about science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

“Kids don’t get a lot of exposure to people who work in science or tech fields,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “There are so many people right here in our community doing exciting and interesting jobs in STEAM. This program is meant to put these opportunities and ideas within reach of our students and give them real-life inspiration.”

Beginning in September 2022, Ellman will take students on monthly tours of local STEAM facilities and bring in special guests to talk about their work in a STEAM field. Participating students will get exclusive insight into what it’s like to work in a STEAM profession and learn what they can do now to land a job in a STEAM field after graduation. Participation in the STEAM Academy is free.

Students from Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, Lisle, Naperville, Wheaton, Warrenville, or West Chicago who are between the ages of 11 and 14 are invited to apply. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, and selected applicants will be notified by Friday, Aug. 19.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity to help students find out what sparks their curiosity,” said Ellman.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.SenatorLauraEllman.com/STEAM2022. Questions can be directed to her office at 630-601-9961.