SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is taking action to remove an arbitrary law that prohibits drinking alcohol and hasn’t been enforced in nearly a century.

“I was shocked to learn that people were technically breaking the law by ordering a glass of wine on Amtrak,” Ellman said. “There’s no reason responsible adults shouldn’t be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on a train.”

Senate Bill 2961 repeals the Railroad Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1911, which prohibits drinking alcohol on trains, around train stations and gives conductors the ability to arrest violators and charge them with a Class C misdemeanor.

“This law hasn’t been enforced since the 1920s, during prohibition in this country,” Ellman said. “Just because a law isn’t generally enforced, doesn’t mean that it can’t be. Today, many trains include alcoholic beverages on their menus. It’s time to strike this archaic and arbitrary law off the books in the state of Illinois.”

The legislation has been assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee, where it awaits consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address:

“I was excited to see the governor propose a new community college apprentice program. I passed legislation last year that increased access to community colleges. Education at all levels is economic development."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“This year, I plan to focus on a number of issues, from combating climate change to quality higher education. I wish I had heard more specific proposals about the environment beyond clean energy, but after hearing him speak, I’m confident that the he will be an ally in making the state a national leader in protecting our natural resources and environment.

Additionally, as I listened to the governor speak, his comments about ethics reform really struck a chord. We need a new level of transparency that surpasses any law we can implement. Our job is to live up to the expectations of the people we represent, and that’s what I plan to do and what every elected official should also be doing.”

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) announced today that five local area school districts are set to receive over $40,000 in grants given out by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s School Library Grant program.

The grants, which are issued by the Illinois State Library, are meant to help public schools offer more library books and materials to students.

“I’m grateful to hear that these five districts will receive these grants,” Ellman said. “Libraries play an important role and are a wonderful resource for children of all ages. This additional funding will be helpful for these libraries to continue updating their materials for every student.”

School libraries can use these funds to acquire fiction and/or nonfiction books, educational CDs and DVDs, and library subscriptions to electronic resources, as well as to improve technology by purchasing new computers or improving Wi-Fi connectivity.

Schools receiving school library grants include:

• Naperville CUSD #203 - $12,001.50'
• Benjamin School District #25 – $750.00
• Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD #200 - $9,174.75
• Winfield School District 34 - $750.00
• Indian Prairie CUSD # 204 – $19,908.75

Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2021 are set to be available in August of this year.