NAPERVILLE – On Monday, Jan. 17, Illinois will be celebrating Muhammad Ali Day for the first time, thanks to a resolution sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Muhammad Ali set a fantastic example for us all by showing how to be dedicated to our passions and courageous in our convictions,” Ellman said. “Through both his athletic career and his philanthropic work, he spent a lifetime working for the betterment of society as a whole.”

Ali was well known for his successful career as a professional boxer. In his 21 year career, he won the Olympic Gold Medal and the heavy weight title three times, earning him the title “America’s Champ.”

Outside of the ring, Ali was a dedicated philanthropist who was known to have deliberate conversations with those holding opposing views as a means to unite people from all walks of life. He also worked with the Special Olympics and the Make a Wish Foundation, and assisted at local soup kitchens and hospitals.

“Ali truly was a champion, both in the ring and outside of it,” Ellman said. “He left behind a legacy that we are proud to commemorate here in Illinois.”

Ali was a devoted Muslim who worked to show the world that Islam means peace, and he credited his faith for giving him the courage to stand up against injustices worldwide. Even after retiring from the ring and being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Ali remained dedicated to his work as a global humanitarian and ambassador of goodwill.

This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day also falls on Jan. 17, offering Illinoisans the opportunity to celebrate two American champions of civic justice, and to remember and perpetuate their courage and hope for a better world for all.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is reminding Illinois drivers they now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.  

“Doing our part to reduce transmission of COVID-19 means staying home and staying safe when we can,” Ellman said. “Utilizing online and remote services when they’re available is the safest option, and usually the most hassle-free way to get things accomplished.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended to March 31, 2022, with the exception of commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.   

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Ellman encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:  

• Renewing a vehicle registration;  
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;  
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;  
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;  
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.  

The secretary of state’s office can be reached via phone as well, at 800-252-8980. People calling are advised to listen carefully to all menu options, and to select menu option 8 to speak to a representative if they don’t have their registration ID or PIN on hand.

Ellman is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.   

More information and online services, including license plate renewal, can be found at ilsos.gov.  

DOWNERS GROVE – Following a month-long donation drive, State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) dropped off more than 325 purses full of personal care items to the Downers Grove Community Center.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the members of our community who took the time to make a donation in support of our neighbors in need,” Ellman said. “Especially around the holidays, it’s important to remind survivors of domestic abuse that there’s a whole community behind them.”

The drive was held through #LovePurse, an initiative that collects purses filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence.

“When neighbors are experiencing hardship, generosity from community members is critical to building a lasting support network,” Glowiak Hilton said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your donations and for helping us uplift survivors of domestic violence.”

At the time of the drop off, nearly 150 purses had already been donated to the community center, bringing the total to just shy of 475. The purses will be distributed to those in need throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

NAPERVILLE – In an effort to support and promote small businesses ahead of the holiday season, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is launching a social media campaign to feature local small businesses.

“Our local businesses have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many have been left struggling to stay afloat,” Ellman said. “Now more than ever, supporting our small businesses is vital as they work to get back on their feet.”

Ellman encourages small business owners interested in being featured on her social media to provide information about their businesses here. Businesses invited to participate include restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons.

“We are lucky to have so many fantastic small businesses in our community,” Ellman said. “I hope that residents will keep our local businesses in mind as we enter the holiday season.”

Questions can be directed to Senator Ellman’s Naperville office by calling 630-601-9961 or visiting Senatorlauraellman.com.