SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to establish a Hydrogen Economy Task Force in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.

"Through the establishment of our Hydrogen Economy Task Force, we set Illinois on track to become a hydrogen powerhouse in the Midwest, and nationwide,” Ellman said. “As a center of a potential Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can harness our excess energy in the state to generate hydrogen, and in turn use it to support the agricultural, refining, and transportation industries in Illinois and across the Midwest.  Hydrogen Hub investment means innovation and good jobs.”

Senate Bill 3613 establishes the Hydrogen Economy Task Force, which is responsible for establishing a plan to create a Hydrogen Hub in Illinois, identifying opportunities to integrate hydrogen into the economy, analyzing barriers to hydrogen development, and recommending policies to catalyze deployment of hydrogen in the state economy.

The legislation is intended to put Illinois in a position to become a Clean Hydrogen Hub. Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Ill. and the University of Illinois have partnered with the intent of participating in the federal Clean Hydrogen Hub program. Through this program, the Secretary of Energy must select at least 4 regional Hubs to prioritize opportunities for skilled training and long-term employment.

“Not only would a Hydrogen Hub boost our statewide economy and create jobs for our talented and driven workforce, it would establish Illinois as a national leader in clean energy and hydrogen generation,” Ellman said.

SB 3613 will now go before the full Senate.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) offered the following statement following the governor’s budget proposal:

“I am thrilled to see that the Governor's proposed budget builds on the progress we have made in the last three years, progress made possible by fiscal discipline.

“With that foundation of fiscal responsibility at its core, this budget continues to move Illinois forward. We satisfy our commitments to our communities by fully funding pensions, increasing funding for our education system, and expanding funding for public safety and health programs. We are also laying a strong foundation for the future of our state by eliminating our bill backlog, repaying COVID-related debt, and expanding our Rainy Day Fund.

“The proposed budget takes yet another step in moving Illinois down the right path, and I look forward to continuing our progress together.”

NAPERVILLE – In order to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources to residents throughout the 21st District, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is kicking off the new year by offering residents the opportunity to meet with her constituent services team at two separate mobile office hours events.

“The work I do every day is shaped by the members of the community and the issues that concern them most,” Ellman said. “I can’t stress how important it is to get their feedback, and how necessary community input is to the legislative process.”

Community members will have two opportunities to meet with Ellman’s constituent service team to receive assistance with state agencies, provide input to the Senator and receive informational resources:

Wednesday, Feb. 2
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lisle Library, 777 Front Street, Lisle

Thursday, Feb. 3
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wayne Township Building, 27W031 North Avenue, West Chicago

Ellman encourages residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119.

NAPERVILLE – More than 20 small businesses across the 21^st District were recently awarded over $850,000 in Back to Business grant funding, thanks to legislative measures supported by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville).

“Our small businesses have kept their doors open and served our community through the last two years of this pandemic against all odds,” Ellman said. “I’m pleased to know they are receiving this much-deserved assistance in recognition of their contributions and dedication.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity selects grantees, and the grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan. The DCEO has dispersed $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses across Illinois who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twenty-one businesses in the district Ellman represents received grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 in this round of funding to help them recoup losses from the past two years, and continue to keep their doors open to the community.

“It’s a privilege to be able to support our local businesses and bring their interests and needs to the table,” Ellman said. “They keep our community vibrant and our economy strong—our small businesses truly are some of our most valuable assets.”

Grants will continue to be awarded statewide on a rolling basis. More information about the B2B program, as well as a full list of grantees, is available on the DCEO’s website.