Ellman passes law helping park districts procure solar energy

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman, park districts can now enter agreements to procure solar energy.

“Recent funding opportunities, such as the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant, have allowed park districts in our community to expand their efforts in providing safe green spaces,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Empowering park districts to access solar energy contracts helps them to maintain natural resources and green spaces by using renewable resources.”

Ellman’s new law allows park districts to enter into a lease, contract or other agreement related to the acquisition of solar energy. These agreements can include the installation, maintenance, and service of solar panels, equipment, or similar technology related to solar energy.

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New Ellman law to expand stroke care

SPRINGFIELD – Additional Illinois hospitals can provide stroke care, thanks to a new law carried by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Every second counts, so quick access to care can mean all the difference when treating a stroke,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Expanding the list of hospitals allowed to provide stroke care is a proactive and life-saving measure that will improve the level of care for patients experiencing a stroke.”

According to the CDC, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is blocked or when a brain blood vessel bursts. Strokes are a leading cause of death and a major cause of serious long-term disability. Patients who arrive at the emergency room within three hours of their first symptoms show better outcomes three months after a stroke than those who delayed care.

Ellman’s new law adds Primary Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers and Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers to the list of hospitals that can provide stroke care in Illinois. The law also sets guidelines for establishing and maintaining specific facility designations, suspending and restoring designations, and sets an annual fee.

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Ellman to host end-of-session town halls

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting two end-of-session town halls to inform constituents on new legislation, investments in Senate District 21, and constituent services.

“We’ve made great strides during this legislative session in Springfield, especially by passing our fifth balanced budget in recent years and making vital investments in our environment, veterans and K-12 students,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “My end-of-session town halls are a chance for constituents to connect the accomplishments in Springfield to achievements in the district.”

The town halls will be on Tuesday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Public Library and Wednesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the 95^th Street Library in Naperville.

“I always appreciate receiving legislative ideas from our constituents,” said Ellman. “I encourage residents to attend these town halls so they can stay informed on investments in our community as well as the constituent services my office offers.”

If residents have questions about the event, Ellman urges them to contact her office at (630) 601-9961 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ellman expands fentanyl education efforts

SPRINGFIELD – High school students could soon be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Increasing awareness through education is an effective way to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Educating high school students, hopefully before they are exposed to fentanyl, could mean all the difference between a dependency on addictive opioids and connection to a non-addictive medication.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

Under current law, elementary and high school health classes are required to discuss consumer health, personal health habits, alcohol and drug use, but are not required to receive specific instruction on fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.

Read more: Ellman expands fentanyl education efforts