SPRINGFIELD – With nearly one in 10 Americans lacking health insurance coverage according to the U.S. Census Bureau, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced new legislation to ensure Illinois residents are not locked out of coverage due to past-due premium payments.

“Unexpected financial hardship can happen to anyone, especially when many are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We should not be creating additional barriers that prevent people from accessing essential health care.”

SPRINGFIELD – Studies find that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, there is a lack of rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention, leading State Senator Laura Ellman to advance Senate Bill 3333.

“While Illinois is a leading state in creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals, we still have many avenues we can improve,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Bettering oneself through education is the greatest gift we can give to society and my hope is to see more opportunities being created to reduce recidivism and improve public safety in the long run.”

SPRINGFIELD – With an estimated 57% of U.S. consumers purchasing ready-to-eat meals each month, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation that ensures these increasingly popular options meet the same food safety standards as other food businesses.

“Food safety should never depend on how your meal is prepared or delivered,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This bill is about making sure Illinois families can trust the food they bring to their table and that innovations like meal kits stay safe.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project that the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s civil lawsuits against polluters fell to an historic low during the first year of the Trump administration, in addition to major cuts to environmental programs, State Senator Laura Ellman renewed her efforts to ensure that Illinois remains a national leading in protecting air, water and land through Senate Bill 3556.

“When it comes to protecting clean air and water, Illinois must lead, not follow,” said Ellman (D- Naperville). “Our communities deserve strong, science-based environmental protections that reflect our values and safeguard public health.”