SPRINGFIELD – High school students may soon be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated our communities, leaving behind a trail of chaos,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The efforts to make our communities safer started with the circulation of naloxone and other lifesaving medications. Now we must expand our efforts to education.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, opioid overdoses in Illinois increased 33% between 2019 and 2020. The total opioid deaths in the state in 2020 was 2,944. According to the CDC, opioid use and fatalities among minors aged 14-18 increased 109% between 2020 and 2021.

House Bill 3924 seeks to combat this risk by specifically requiring all high school students enrolled in a state-required health course to learn about the dangers of fentanyl and fentanyl contamination.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is celebrating the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $27 million funding opportunity for school districts exploring the use of electric school buses.

“Purchasing prices for eco-friendly vehicles have often been a sore spot for communities looking to make the transition,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Relieving this burden off of school districts enables a smooth transition to eco-friendly transportation and fosters the growth of Illinois electric transportation and infrastructure.”

The Driving a Cleaner Illinois program was created to distribute funding for various types of diesel emission reduction projects. This latest funding announcement will provide funds to replace existing diesel school buses with new all-electric school buses located and operated in three priority areas. The Illinois EPA will also fund a portion of new electric charging equipment if charging infrastructure is needed.

Through this funding opportunity, the Illinois EPA intends to fund projects in three priority areas, with DuPage County designated in priority area one.

SPRINGFIELD – Veteran- and minority-owned business may soon receive preference in the sale of transferable property thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Oftentimes, former state property can become vacant eyesores in the community,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Extending a preference to veteran-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses concerning the allocation of state property is a great way to lift up those who have previously been left behind.”

Currently, when an administrator determines that property owned by the state will be sold, they must first offer it to municipalities, counties and school districts and to charitable, not-for-profit educational and public health organizations. Ellman’s measure would add veteran-and minority-owned businesses to the list of entities that receive preferential status.

“Minority- and veteran-owned businesses are often the first line of small businesses that give back to the community. Uplifting these businesses ultimately uplifts local communities as a whole.” said Ellman. “U.S. Senator Duckworth alerted me of this issue. Veteran – and minority-owned businesses deserve the same opportunities found at the Federal level at the State level.”

Senate Bill 1935 passed the Senate Thursday and will now head to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation could soon develop a mobile application to provide motorists with updates on road conditions, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Knowledge of road conditions before a road trip helps travelers safely plan their travels,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The information the Illinois Department of Transportation collects for their services can help keep Illinois drivers informed and safe.”

Senate Bill 1526 stipulates that a mobile application must include updates on accidents, construction zones, lane closures, 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.

“Weather apps give us a hunch on road conditions during extreme weather, but there is room for growth,” said Ellman. “Combining information on road conditions during extreme weather with additional information on accidents, construction and delays will help Illinois drivers make it to their destinations safely.”

Senate Bill 1526 passed the Senate and will now head to the House for further consideration.