SPRINGFIELD – Unsecured weapons in homes have caused devastating and avoidable tragedies in recent years, particularly involving children and teenagers. State Senator Laura Ellman passed a critical public safety law to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are kept out of the hands of children, vulnerable populations and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Studies show that unsecured firearms, along with lost or stolen guns, are major contributors to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in three-fourths of school shootings, the shooter obtained the firearm from a parent or relative. Alarmingly, 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a gun that belonged to a family member.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced four DuPage County libraries are set to receive a combined total of $373,000 for library services and programming.

“Libraries are some of the most important cornerstones in a community. From accessing technology to checking out a new book, our local libraries give residents a variety of learning opportunities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I am happy to see Illinois give back to these valuable community resources.”

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with investments preserving infrastructure, education, workforce development, and evidence-based funding:

“This budget allocates investments in priority areas – putting Illinois on the right path to fiscal responsibility and meeting fiscal obligations. We are continuing our commitment to evidence-based funding and education, significantly support Medicaid access, preserving employee pensions and wages, as well as furthering the economic health of our state through investments our workforce programs and state infrastructure. The budget projects environmental leadership, highlighting investments in the OSLAD grant program and staff shortages for IDNR. By investing in priorities that matter to our residents, we are providing stable support to Illinois in these unprecedented times.

“This plan not only lifts up our priority areas, it also establishes a responsible schedule for executing this spending. We are preserving funding for essential programs, maintaining stability and investing in future generations of Illinoisans.”

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced Thursday the City of Warrenville and the Forest Preserve District of Will County are set to receive a total of $7 million in grant funding to construct new multi-use paths, sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and boardwalks. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Investments in local infrastructure improve the quality of community resources and residents’ quality of living,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These public spaces offer an opportunity for residents to access local recreational sites and businesses, and this funding helps enhance their experience with new safety improvements.”

In the City of Warrenville, construction includes a new 10-foot wide multi-use path and a new 5-foot wide sidewalk that allows a safe, ADA-accessible path to commercial areas and existing pedestrian routes. The path and sidewalk will be located along the east and west sides of Illinois Route 59.