Ellman encourages local agencies to apply for OSLAD grant

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is encouraging agencies across the 21^st District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“Park development is a great way to beautify a community,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I encourage local agencies interested in developing public parks and outdoor recreation areas to apply for this grant.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

Ellman applauds Illinois Supreme Court ruling

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman released the following statement in response to the Illinois
Supreme Court’s ruling on the pretrial release portions of the SAFE-T Act:

“The transformation of this outdated system will help protect survivors of domestic violence and their families, and ensure safety is valued over the ability to post bail. Access to quick cash does not contribute to public safety, which is vitally important for our communities. This measure has the capability to transform the criminal justice system in Illinois into a more equitable system.”

Click here to learn the facts about the SAFE-T Act.

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.

Read more: Ellman passes law helping park districts procure solar energy

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.

Read more: New Ellman law to expand stroke care