NAPERVILLE – The Lombard Park District is among the 118 recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants distributed through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Senator Laura Ellman announced Thursday.

“Our local parks are a great place for kids to get outside to play, explore, and just be in a natural setting,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Green spaces and parks offer busy families and residents a greater sense of community.”

A total of $60 million in state grants are being awarded for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants represent the largest round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. Lombard Park District is set to receive $600,000 in funds from the program this year.

“Lombard Park District prides themselves with providing excellent recreation opportunities for residents to savor,” said Ellman. “I’m excited to see the ways Lombard Park District will expand their efforts in building our community thanks to the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.”

For more information about the OSLAD grant program and to see a full list of recipients, visit DNR’s website.

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New legislation creates mobile app warning of road conditions

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman that would require the Department of Transportation to develop a mobile application to provide motorists with updates on road conditions passed committee Tuesday.

“Drivers rely on information on road conditions to make it to their destinations safely,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The Illinois Department of Transportation has valuable information that can help keep Illinois drivers safe.”

Senate Bill 1526 stipulates the mobile application must include updates on accidents, construction zones, lane closures and delays, weather conditions, and other various road conditions throughout Illinois. The measure is similar to an initiative of the Indiana Department of Transportation, who have already implemented a mobile application.

“To keep up with new technology, this app will provide easy access to updates on road closures, severe weather and other potential dangers to drivers,” said Ellman. “Safeguarding drivers on Illinois roads is the ultimate goal.”

Senate Bill 1526 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman expressed her support Wednesday for investments in the environment included in Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget.

The proposed budget directs $263.8 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act dollars to offer Illinois households energy efficiency rebates.

“Illinoisans have witnessed record high energy bills in recent years,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I applaud the governor for addressing the concerns of Illinoisans by proposing funding for a timely energy efficiency rebate. The rebate can potentially increase the usage of energy efficient materials and in turn positively impact our environment.”

The proposed budget increases funding for the Clean Air Act and Energy Transition Act by $2 million, including expenses for air permitting and inspections.

“Large-dollar increases toward ensuring clean air in Illinois is the progress needed to curb the unfortunate effects of climate change,” said Ellman. “Energy efficiency is a key component of impactful climate change, ensuring a bountiful environment for future generations.”

The proposed budget also includes a $250 million investment toward a new early childhood education program – a plan to prepare children to be lifelong learners – and an increase in MAP grants – a program to make college more attainable.

“Advancements in early childhood care overall support Illinois workers and families,” said Ellman. “I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues this legislative session to negotiate a budget that makes the most meaningful impact on our environment.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman was sworn into office Wednesday to represent Illinois’ 21^st Senate District.

“I’m overjoyed at the prospect of serving Illinois’ 21^st Senate District again and I remain committed to serving my constituents and gaining wisdom through experience,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “My work always begins with constituents and families and ends with positive advancements for all Illinois residents.”

During the 102^nd General Assembly, Ellman passed two constituent service initiatives into law: one being House Bill 4664 which prevents insurers from charging higher out-of-pocket costs to residents seeking out-of-network health care services due the moral objections of their usual health care provider, the other being Senate Bill 3786 which designated Dolostone as Illinois’ official state rock. Senator Ellman also advanced legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and legislation aimed to make Illinois a regional leader as a hydrogen hub.

The 103^rd General Assembly marks Ellman’s second term serving as Senator for the 21^st District, which includes parts of Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville and Wheaton.

“I am proud of the work my colleagues and I were able to accomplish so far,” said Ellman. “There is still much work to be done and I am excited to build on the productive measures we passed during the previous legislative session.”

Constituents can contact Ellman by visiting www.SenatorLauraEllman.com or by making an appointment at her new district office at 24W500 Maple Ave., Suite 215, Naperville, IL 60540.