Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman is advocating for new legislation aimed at banning the use of the toxic herbicide paraquat in Illinois, citing growing evidence linking the chemical to Parkinson’s disease and its mounting impact on families across the state.

“Paraquat is one of the most toxic herbicides still in use, and the science linking it to serious health risks like Parkinson’s disease is too strong to ignore,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has a responsibility to protect workers, families and communities by taking a closer look at its dangers and moving toward safer alternatives.”

SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation aimed at helping schools reduce food waste and ensure more students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

“In a state where one in eight people face food insecurity, we should be doing everything we can to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This is a simple, practical solution that helps schools reduce waste while making sure more students have access to the food they need to learn and thrive.”

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 through the Senate aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful outdoor lighting across Illinois.

“Senate Bill 3037 is an important step in combating rising costs on energy bills. This legislation ensures Illinois is using smarter, more efficient lighting that protects both our environment and taxpayers,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Light pollution is more than just an inconvenience: it impacts our health, disrupts wildlife and wastes energy.”

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.”