SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman passed a measure Wednesday to help reduce the threat of radon for property renters.

“This measure outlines a period of time where renters are allowed to test for radon,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The 90-day time period enables renters to test for radon and protect their families from the dangers of excessive radon.”

Radon, a natural occurring element, is not immediately produced or detectable. Illinois laws such as the Illinois Radon Awareness Act and the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act offer protections for homebuyers and prospective buyers, but there are no current protections for renters.

“Proactive measures against this deadly gas are needed to decrease the onset of its harmful effects, which can include lung cancer,” said Ellman. “If radon exceeds limits, renters can seek mitigations to protect their families.”

House Bill 2217 passed the Senate Wednesday.

NAPERVILLE – The DuPage Habitat for Humanity is set to receive $400,000 thanks to the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program supported by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Habitat for Humanity is known for building beautiful modernized homes for our most vulnerable community members,” said Ellman (D–Naperville). “I’m glad to see such a hardworking organization receive this funding to continue to be a treasured resource in DuPage County.”

The Home Repair and Accessibility Program is designed to assist low-income families by providing funds to manage health, safety, accessibility and energy efficiency repairs to their homes. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $45,000 to cover necessary repairs through a five-year forgivable loan.

NAPERVILLE – The College of DuPage Foundation is set to receive $53,000 to boost local tourism efforts, thanks to support from State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Funding for the arts has dwindled in recent years,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Art is a great way to attract tourists and invite them into the wonderful community of Glen Ellyn.”

The Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program awarded $2.9 million in funding to 51 local governments, municipalities and nonprofit agencies for the development of tourist attractions and events. Additionally, the state will be matching funds to offset marketing expenses for expenditures such as promotional materials and production costs.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to provide classroom instruction on food and environmental allergies and allergic reactions sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“Most people can relate to suffering from seasonal allergies, but we also have to consider folks that suffer from food allergies,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Severe allergic reactions are life-threatening situations that can happen anywhere to both students and teachers.”

According to the CDC, one in thirteen children experience food and environmental allergies, which equates to nearly two students per classroom. Strict avoidance of the allergen is necessary, as there is no known cure for food allergies. Avoidance is not always possible, so the CDC urges education centers to develop proactive plans for responding to unprompted allergy emergencies.