NAPERVILLE – With spring just around the corner and more Illinoisans spending time outside, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating the DuPage County Forest Preserve District on a $100,000 grant to build a new bike path.

“Bike paths play a large role in communities across the 21^st District and the state,” Ellman said. “I use the paths for walks and bike rides throughout the year, which is why I was thrilled to hear about this grant coming to our local forest preserve.”

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District will receive $100,000 to construct a quarter mile bike path along the forest preserve on the east side of Naperville-Plainfield Road. The path will connect a sidewalk along the Brighton Ridge subdivision to a path parking lot in the forest preserve. 

“This funding can help local governments develop and improve existing bike paths,” Ellman said. “Investing in bike paths offers residents additional opportunities for recreation and to simply get outside.”

The Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was created in 1990 to provide grants to eligible local governments for projects that develop, rehabilitate or construct new bike paths. This year, the program will fund seven bike path projects across the state totaling more than $800,000.

More information about the program, eligible projects and the application process is available here.

NAPERVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating classes at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago and Evergreen Elementary School in Carol Stream on being selected as winners.

“This grant program will provide these students with the chance to learn about nature outside of the classroom,” Ellman said. “I’m thrilled that not one, but two classes in the 21st District were chosen for the program.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Benjamin Middle School’s 6th grade class will take a trip to Lorado Taft Field Campus, and Evergreen Elementary’s 4th grade class will head to The Morton Arboretum. At both locations, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) has introduced two measures that would begin phasing out harmful PFAS chemicals in Illinois.

“PFAS chemicals are also known as ‘forever chemicals’, because they’re too small to filter and their internal bonds are so strong that they don’t break down,” Ellman said. “There’s evidence that exposure to PFAS can cause a variety of health problems. We must act now if we want reduce the exposure of these chemicals in our water.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) has taken action to remove an antiquated law that prohibits drinking alcohol on trains, which hasn’t been enforced in nearly a century.

“Last year I learned of this law and was surprised. People have technically been breaking the law by ordering drinks on the Amtrak,” Ellman said. “There’s no reason why responsible adults shouldn’t be able to enjoy these types of beverages on a train.”

House Bill 3878 repeals the Railroad Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1911, which prohibits drinking alcohol on trains and around train stations, and gives conductors the ability to arrest violators and charge them with a Class C misdemeanor.

“Just because a law isn’t generally enforced, doesn’t mean that it can’t be,” Ellman said. “Today, many trains include alcoholic beverages on their menus.”

The measure passed the Senate with a vote of 51-0-0 and now goes to the governor’s desk, where it will await being signed into law. 

“This law hasn’t been enforced since the 1920s, during Prohibition,” Ellman said. “Last year COVID-19 sidelined this legislation, but it’s time to get back on track by repealing this archaic and arbitrary law.”

Ellman is also encouraging people to use safe transportation, such as Metra, as an alternative to driving under the influence. 

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is congratulating the DuPage Children's Museum and the Naperville Heritage Society for receiving nearly $1 million in combined grants to improve their facilities and develop new exhibits.

“Part of being an Illinoisan is understanding where our history began and where it’s going and as Illinoisan we’re always looking toward the future,” Ellman said. “Both of these organization are reaching out to people where they are creating a framework on how to move forward. They’re recognizing the needs of the community and are creatively meeting those needs while also moving us forward.”

The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the state’s multi-year capital program, is open to any museum operated by local government or located on municipally-owned land. The maximum grant award for the projects announced Wednesday was $750,000 and matching funds are required in many cases based on museum attendance levels.

“The Children’s Museum and the Heritage Society attract thousands of visitors each year,” Ellman said. “This program is investing in the 21^st district, which in return creates new economic growth in our community.”

More information on the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program is available on the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/Museum-Capital-Grants.aspx.

NAPERVILLE – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, another crisis continues to take a toll on people across the nation – domestic violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, State Senator Laura Ellman is highlighting state and local resources to make sure Illinois residents are aware that there is assistance available.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality in all of our communities, and it doesn’t discriminate. It affects all classes, genders and races,” Ellman said. “No one should feel unsafe in their own home, but if you do, there are resources available to help.”

NAPERVILLE – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is addressing the stigma attached to mental health issues and the mental health crisis in Illinois.

“Sadly, there’s still a lot of stigma surrounding people with mental health issues in America,” Ellman said. “We need everyone to look at mental health the same way they do physical health and make sure anyone who needs help knows they’re not alone.”

The goal of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the realities of suicide, help open up a conversation about mental health and connect individuals with mental health resources.

Research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that about half of individuals who die from suicide are diagnosed with a mental disorder, but about 90% show symptoms of mental illness. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the Center for Disease Control estimates that one quarter of young adults have contemplated suicide. If you, or someone you know is experiencing crisis or suicidal thoughts, call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-TALK (8255) or text NAMI at 741-741 to speak with a crisis counselor.

“There are so many people who are dealing with serious mental health issues, but they’re often afraid to ask for help,” Ellman said. “If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please use the resources that are available, especially during these uncertain times we find ourselves living through.” 

NAPERVILLE – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, small businesses are still facing added financial hardships, and State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is urging local businesses to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“The challenges that have been created due to this pandemic are truly unprecedented,” Ellman said. “So many in the community have worked tirelessly to follow the latest guidelines. It’s great to see another round of these grants coming to these well-deserving businesses.”

The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through these uncertain times and make sure they have the means to open safely in the coming months.

BIG funds can be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks.

During the program’s first round of funding last month, it granted more than $40 million to small businesses across the state. Businesses in Will and DuPage Counties were awarded over $500,000 in $10,000 to $20,000 grants during the first round.

“These funds have and will continue to give businesses the ability to reopen with the new guidelines and provide a safer environment for employees and customer,” Ellman said.

Applications open tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.