Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that more students can get ahead academically while maintaining strong instructional standards, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4239, which would expand access to high school-level coursework for seventh and eighth grade students.

“Students learn at different paces, and our policies should reflect that,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure ensures that motivated middle school students have clear, equitable access to high school coursework, without unnecessary barriers, while maintaining the high standards families expect.”

House Bill 4239 would clarify that middle school students may enroll in high school courses offered by the high school they would attend, so long as the course is taught by a properly licensed educator and can be taken at the student’s current school.

SPRINGFIELD – Artificial light at night is estimated to contribute to the deaths of hundreds of millions of migratory birds each year in the U.S., while also disrupting nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems, according to the National Audubon Society. State Senator Laura Ellman is working to address these impacts with legislation aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful outdoor lighting across Illinois.

“Light pollution is more than just an inconvenience: it impacts our health, disrupts wildlife and wastes energy,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation ensures Illinois is using smarter, more efficient lighting that protects both our environment and taxpayers.”

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.”

Senate Bill 3333 would allow individuals held in county jails prior to trial to receive sentence credit for completing certain programming such as work assignments, parenting programs, volunteer activities, and supervised community work. Currently, similar programming can earn credit for individuals incarcerated in Department of Corrections’ facilities, but not for those in pretrial detention due to gaps in statutory language.

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.

“Rehabilitation programs are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If someone takes the initiative to improve their life by participating in programs that build skills and strengthen families, that effort should be recognized no matter where they are being held.”

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

“Health care coverage shouldn’t be out of reach for someone simply because they’ve fallen behind on a previous payment,” said Ellman. “This legislation is about protecting access to care and making sure families can get insured when they need it most.”

GLEN ELLYN — State Senator Laura Ellman joined local, state and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly-funded residential school dedicated to serving students who are deaf-blind.

“As the only publicly-funded residential school in the country for students who are deaf-blind, the Philip J. Rock Center and School has helped students discover their strength and independence for generations,” said Ellman (D–Naperville). “I’m thrilled that Illinois is supporting this incredible place, ensuring its impact reaches even more families across our community.”

Funded through a $21.5 million investment from the Rebuild Illinois capital program, the new two-story, 24,173-square-foot facility combines residential and educational spaces under one roof. It will serve up to 20 full-time students, offering specialized classrooms, dormitories, after-school activity areas, and support spaces designed to meet the complex sensory needs of deaf-blind students. The campus also features new outdoor amenities, including a basketball court, playground, and electric vehicle charging stations.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate observed Wear Pink Day at the Capitol Wednesday to raise breast cancer awareness and encourage early detection.

“I was diagnosed about four years ago and went through chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation, and now ongoing preventative treatment. Raising awareness about breast cancer has become very important to me,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I found comfort in hearing from women I know and admire —many of whom have walked this same path — and in knowing that I wasn’t alone. If you have recently been diagnosed or are awaiting results, know that you are not alone, there is help available and you will get through this.”