NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting two constituent roundtable meetings to offer community members the opportunity to participate in conversations about policy regarding education and the environment.

“I can’t stress how critical community feedback is to the work I do every day, both here at home and down in Springfield,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We couldn’t have picked more important topics—education and the environment—and I’m really looking forward to sitting down with members of our community and having meaningful conversations.”

Education Roundtable
The education roundtable will be held in Warrenville on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Community members wishing to attend can register by visiting SenatorLauraEllman.com/EdRoundtable2022.

Environmental Roundtable
The environmental roundtable will also be held in Warrenville on the following Thursday, Oct. 20, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Community members wishing to attend can register at SenatorLauraEllman.com/EnviroRoundtable2022.

These meetings are intended to be small group discussions and capacity is limited, so registration is required. Registered attendees will receive more information about the events, and excess registrants will be placed on a waiting list for the meetings. Students and other young people are especially encouraged to participate.

Questions ahead of the meetings can be directed to Ellman’s district office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr extend their congratulations to three local schools selected by the U.S. Department of Education to be 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“Anyone who is fortunate enough to live and raise kids in our community already knows how great our local schools are,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “High-quality public education is vital when it comes to shaping future generations, and these exceptional schools could not be more deserving of recognition.”

The U.S. Department of Education named 297 schools nationwide to its 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools list, 17 of which were located in Illinois, and three in the district Ellman represents. Award recipients Elmwood Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School, and Steeple Run Elementary School are all part of Naperville Community Unit School District 203.

The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. Selected schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation.

“When it comes to investing in our community and getting on the best path for success, few things are as important as well-equipped schools and dedicated teachers and faculty,” said Yang Rohr (D-Naperville). “I’d like to thank all of our phenomenal educators and extend sincere congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”

More information about the National Blue Ribbon School award and a full list of recipients is available at NationalBlueRibbonSchools.ed.gov.

NAPERVILLE – Families across Illinois have already begun to receive financial relief thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan, supported by State Senator Laura Ellman and members of the General Assembly.

“Many middle-class families have struggled to make ends meet throughout the uncertainly of the last couple years,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Hardworking people deserve a helping hand, and this plan is step in the right direction to get them back on their feet.”

Under Senate Bill 157, millions of Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates this fall.

The legislation states that individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting this week – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so.

“We’re putting money back in the pockets of families across the state for them to spend as they see fit,” Ellman said. “These rebates can be spent on everyday expenses like groceries or gas, or on activities and leisure that support local businesses and economies."

More information on how the funds will be dispersed and qualification criteria is available at tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is partnering with State Representative Janet Yang Rohr and Loaves & Fishes to host a food drive in support of community members in need.

“I couldn’t be prouder to represent such a generous community,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “When we ask our neighbors to give, I’m always overwhelmed by their outpouring of generosity.”

The drive will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at Ellman and Yang Rohr’s district office in Naperville, 475 River Bend Rd., Suite 500. Residents dropping off food should follow the sidewalk to the right of the building to the back to locate Suite 500.

Loaves & Fishes President and CEO Mike Havala will kick off the drive by speaking about local food insecurity and the important impact of each and every donation, followed by comments from Ellman and Yang Rohr. Residents are invited to come hear the remarks at 9 a.m. sharp and welcome to stay and chat. For those in a hurry, donations can be dropped off any time before noon.

All donated items will benefit Loaves & Fishes, a local charitable organization that has served communities across DuPage, Will, Kane and Kendall counties since 1984.

“I’m excited to offer community members yet another opportunity to support our neighbors in need,” Ellman said. “Access to food is the most basic need we all have—I know this drive will have a great impact across our community.”

Ellman and Yang Rohr’s offices can be contacted at 630-601-9961 and 630-296-4157, respectively, with any questions ahead of the event.