NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting the second in a series of three Tennis Shoe Town Halls in Naperville to offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about issues that matter most to them.

“I always really look forward to these kinds of events,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Spending time with neighbors and having conversations about the things they care about help me serve our community to the best of my ability.”

The town hall will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville. Community members who wish to participate are invited to meet at the Riverview Farmstead Preserve shelter, near the parking lot, at 9 a.m. sharp and be prepared to explore the trails. Community members of all abilities are welcome.

“I’m excited to hit the trails and enjoy the beauty of our community with neighbors from across the district,” Ellman said.

More information about the event is available on Ellman’s Facebook page, and any questions or concerns ahead of the event can be directed to Ellman’s office at 630-601-9961.

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.