NAPERVILLE – $460,000 in funding is coming to a Lisle nonprofit agency to expand access to reliable transportation for people with disabilities thanks to support from State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Expanding the list of organizations that are able to provide their most vulnerable residents with essential resources, like safe transportation services, is an important measure that will improve the level of care for years to come,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “As a local nonprofit agency, Ray Graham Association will be able to expand their capacity to serve individuals with disabilities, offering them increased accessibility and independence.” 

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced it will continue its investment in the Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Program with a fourth round of funding — an investment that State Senator Laura Ellman says will preserve the health of both residents and the environment.

“I am pleased to see the Illinois EPA continuing their proactive approach to mitigating the prevalence of harsh contaminants like lead in our water supply,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This next round of funding will allow communities to build on their current progress toward streamlining accessible clean water. I encourage communities to apply for this indispensable funding opportunity.”

Under the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, owners and operators of community water supplies in Illinois are required to submit a complete water service line material inventory to Illinois EPA for approval by April 15, 2024. A detailed inventory will allow communities to prioritize and strategize the replacement of known lead service lines within their water distribution system.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman supports the continued efforts to increase representation by women in technology positions, and has therefore advanced new legislation that establishes a task force to assist with the recruiting and support of women in this field.

“Technology is a fast-growing field, and needs qualified professionals to guide us through ever-changing advancements,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation aims to provide women qualified for these technology positions an opportunity to join this field and succeed.”

Senate Bill 2682 creates the Women in Technology Task Force and includes guidelines for the appointments, meetings, duties, and overview of the task force. The goal of this legislation is to increase the representation of women in jobs based around technology.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation that would target critical water issues and make appropriate recommendations to ensure the quality of local water resources.

“Water is a vital natural resource – we need to continue treating our local rivers, lakes and streams with care,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure will ensure recommendations from the State Water Plan Task Force are implemented in a sensible and timely manner.”

Senate Bill 2743 would require the State Water Plan Task Force to address water issues and reevaluate environmental needs by assisting state and local authorities in the implementation of recommended plans. The measure would also require the task force to publish a State Water Plan at least once every 10 years, meet once per quarter each calendar year.

“This task force is part of an ongoing, statewide effort to guarantee the safety and health of our environment for future generations,” said Ellman. “The partnership among state agencies in this task force ensures collaboration for true conservation of water, which creates a lasting impact on the protections for our state’s natural resources.”

Senate Bill 2743 passed the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee last Thursday and heads to the full Senate for consideration.