Dupage Policy Journal

State Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) wants families eligible for a Child Tax Credit advance to make sure they're getting the monthly payments to help pay for the things they need. 

Under the COVID-relief package called the American Rescue Plan, families could receive $300 a mother per child under the age of 6 and $250 a month per child ages 6 to 17 in Child Tax Credits from July 2021 through December 2021.

"The federal #ChildTaxCred has already lifted millions of children across the country from poverty, and there's still time to sign up for these monthly checks in 2021," Ellman wrote in a Nov. 10 tweet. "Check your eligibility and file today to claim your advance Child Tax Credit."

In July, legislation sponsored by Ellman to give firefighters a stronger shot at a stable retirement was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) and took effect immediately. 

"This law creates a level playing field for all of Illinois' firefighters," Ellman wrote in a release on her website. "Prior law failed to address an oversight that would have caused hundreds of firefighters to lose out on time they've served when they retire."

A month earlier she sponsored a bill that would allow students to use college savings accounts to pursue a wider variety of opportunities. 

"Some students need to use their savings plans to pay for loans or job-training programs," Ellman said in a release. 

The law would allow students to use up to $10,00 without being taxed. 

Ellman has also praised the nomination of Robert Santos to head the U.S. Census Bureau. 

In a Facebook post, Ellman called Santos, who serves as president of the American Statistical Association, "one of the country's leading statisticians" and went on to write she was "thrilled" to see his nomination for the position.