SPRINGFIELD – Lowering the cost of public library access for families residing outside of a library’s district expands access to education, fosters healthier communities and promotes literacy. Working toward this goal, State Senator Laura Ellman championed a law that ensures visitors have more affordable access to public library services.

“Public libraries are essential components of any community, offering spaces for connection and educational support,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure enables libraries to offer non-resident card fees in manageable payments, thereby providing more families who visit out-of-district libraries access to these important resources.”

To address the present need for expanded public library access to non-residents and encourage inter-library cooperation, Ellman’s law gives library boards, townships and municipalities the choice of allowing non-residents to pay similar fees as residents on a quarterly or biannual basis.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families deserve the ability to scatter their loved ones' cremated remains according to their traditions and religious beliefs. Thanks to State Senator Laura Ellman’s new law, people will soon be able to scatter cremated ashes in Illinois waterways.

“Families undergoing significant life transitions following the death of a loved one deserve assistance as they face serious emotional and financial obstacles,” said Ellman (D-Naperville).“Families in my district who practice scattering ashes in flowing water have expressed their concerns to me – particularly about the absence of clear regulations regarding scattering rights.”

Ellman’s law allows families to scatter an individual’s cremated remains in a river, when a tenet of their faith includes the practice of disposition in a waterway.

SPRINGFIELD – Unsecured weapons in homes have caused devastating and avoidable tragedies in recent years, particularly involving children and teenagers. State Senator Laura Ellman passed a critical public safety law to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are kept out of the hands of children, vulnerable populations and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Studies show that unsecured firearms, along with lost or stolen guns, are major contributors to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in three-fourths of school shootings, the shooter obtained the firearm from a parent or relative. Alarmingly, 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a gun that belonged to a family member.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced four DuPage County libraries are set to receive a combined total of $373,000 for library services and programming.

“Libraries are some of the most important cornerstones in a community. From accessing technology to checking out a new book, our local libraries give residents a variety of learning opportunities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I am happy to see Illinois give back to these valuable community resources.”

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.