Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

Reducing light pollution statewide, Ellman champions new energy-efficient lighting standards

Details: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 02:29 PM

022426 R

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.”

Ellman measure aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

Details: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 09:37 AM

030526CM0158 R

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.”

Ellman measure expanding access to high school coursework for middle schoolers advances

Details: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 09:26 AM

041526CM1485 R

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.”

New Ellman measure backs new tools for water infrastructure innovation

Details: Thursday, April 16, 2026 03:55 PM

041125CM0123

SPRINGFIELD – According to Saint Augustine’s University, investing in water infrastructure delivers compelling returns: every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates $4 in benefits, with improved health, education and labor productivity. With this in mind, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced a new measure through the Senate to make water infrastructure projects more efficient and cost-effective across Illinois.

“This bill puts Illinois’ water infrastructure on a path toward 21st-century excellence,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “It’s about giving our local governments the flexibility they need to plan, build, and deliver clean water more effectively.”

Welcome

Thank you for visiting my website.

I am proud to serve as the State Senator from Illinois’ 21st District. I hope you’ll find this site a useful resource in keeping up to date with what’s happening in our district and in Springfield. Please contact any of my offices with questions or ways I can better serve you. It is my honor to represent you in Springfield.

Sincerely,