SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to create the Hydrogen Economy Task Force and establish Illinois as a Hydrogen Hub in the Midwest advanced out of the Senate on Friday.

“Through this legislation, Illinois has the opportunity to take the lead on a nationwide effort to spur clean energy and hydrogen generation,” Ellman said. “As a potential Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can support our agricultural, refinery and transportation industries and create jobs for workers across the state.”

The Hydrogen Economy Task Force established under Senate Bill 3613 would be responsible for publishing 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.

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.”

NAPERVILLE – In order to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources to residents throughout the 21^st 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:

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.”

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.   

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.

NAPERVILLE – In recognition of sacrifices made by brave Illinoisans who have served our country, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is inviting people to write friendly and encouraging letters to residents of veterans’ homes ahead of Veterans Day.

“Our veterans have made sacrifices for our community and our nation that we will never be able to repay,” Ellman said. “However, by taking the time to reach out with kind messages and words of encouragement, we can make them feel recognized and appreciated.”

NAPERVILLE – Residents will have the opportunity to tour the Mobile Museum of Tolerance when it makes a stop in Naperville at the beginning of November.

State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) have teamed up to host the museum Nov. 1 - 3 at the 95^th Street Library, located at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive in Naperville. The museum will be open to the public noon to 6 p.m. all three days.