ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Fifty businesses in the Northwest Suburbs were awarded a total of $1.9 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Our small business community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the past few years, many finding creative ways to keep their doors open during the pandemic,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after these unprecedented times.”

A total of $1.9 million was awarded to 50 businesses in the 27th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide continuous coverage and expand services for people enrolled in Medicaid, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to create an automatic renewal process for qualifying individuals.

“Working families need stability more than ever, especially when it comes to health care coverage,” Gillespie said. “Removing the bureaucratic burdens these families face will ensure they remain covered once enrolled.”

Under current law, individuals receiving Medicaid benefits must report changes in income during the 12 months following their approval or last redetermination. House Bill 4343 would remove this reporting requirement during that time, allowing for continuity of coverage for those whose work hours and income aren’t consistent each month. The legislation would also automatically re-enroll individuals with zero income.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to remove barriers to justice for survivors of sexual assault.

“Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” Gillespie said. “This measure removes a loophole that should never have existed and allows survivors to seek justice.”

House Bill 5441 clarifies the existing definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by adding that the survivor remains unable to consent if they voluntarily consumed an intoxicating substance. Under current interpretation, the offender must have provided the intoxicating substance to the survivor to be held responsible for a sexual assault.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon their commitment to pass a balanced budget that benefits communities across the state, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus unveiled a $1.8 billion tax relief plan to put money back in people’s pockets – including a proposal sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Homeowners need help and this plan delivers direct relief to them,” Gillespie said. “As we continue to build an equitable recovery, working people across the state will see tangible relief on multiple fronts.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to waive school fees for students experiencing homelessness on Tuesday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” Gillespie said. “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to end surprise medical bills on Tuesday.

“After an already expensive medical procedure, the last thing a patient needs is to be strapped with additional costs,” Gillespie said. “Our plan will protect consumers from receiving surprise bills long after receiving treatment.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) advanced legislation to end surprise medical bills in Illinois on Wednesday.

“After an already expensive medical procedure, the last thing a patient needs is to be strapped with additional costs,” Gillespie said. “Our plan will protect consumers from receiving surprise bills long after receiving treatment.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) advanced legislation to waive school fees for low-income families on Tuesday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” Gillespie said. “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success.”

House Bill 5265 requires school districts to waive all school fees for low-income families, including fines for loss of school property such as textbooks. The measure further requires school districts to purchase enough textbooks for students whose families are unable to purchase them.