Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD – Accurate gender identification is essential for daily life, yet, for many transgender individuals, barriers remain. To strengthen privacy protections, State Senator Laura Ellman is advancing House Bill 5095 to codify Illinois’ existing policy, allowing gender marker updates on IDs through self-attestation.

“An ID should never put someone in a vulnerable position,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This ensures people can safely and accurately reflect who they are.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the American Heart Association, women are 27% less likely than men to receive bystander CPR, often due to hesitation or misconceptions about performing aid. To address this, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a new initiative at improving CPR training in Illinois school.

“Students should feel confident stepping in during an emergency, no matter who needs help,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “When someone’s life is on the line, hesitation can cost everything. More inclusive, realistic CPR training helps people act quickly and save lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, more than 1.9 million residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the majority of those benefits going to households with children, underscoring the critical need for consistent access to food both at home and at school. With nearly half of students already depending on free school meals, State Senator Laura Ellman is calling for stronger state investment in student nutrition.

“Funding free school lunches can fill the gaps that are opening for schools as SNAP benefits are increasingly cut at an alarming rate,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Funding school lunch could be a way to stretch state dollars while feeding kids in need.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman is advocating for new legislation aimed at banning the use of the toxic herbicide paraquat in Illinois, citing growing evidence linking the chemical to Parkinson’s disease and its mounting impact on families across the state.

“Paraquat is one of the most toxic herbicides still in use, and the science linking it to serious health risks like Parkinson’s disease is too strong to ignore,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has a responsibility to protect workers, families and communities by taking a closer look at its dangers and moving toward safer alternatives.”