SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) celebrated the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) announcement that career and technical education (CTE) enrollment has increased.

Citing the first funding increase to CTE programs in over five years, ISBE announced that CTE enrollment has increased by nearly 5,000 students since 2016. Gillespie says it is vital to train more Illinois workers for in-demand, specialized jobs.

“Career and technical education programs offer an affordable alternative to higher education that train students with tangible, hands-on work skills,” Gillespie said. “Increased investments in workforce development will prepare young people for success and ensure that employers have an educated workforce with the skills necessary for their respective industries.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation’s five-year Highway Improvement Program includes major projects for U.S. Route 14 and Illinois Route 53.

U.S. Route 14 between Smith Rd. and Hicks Rd. will receive over $1.1 million for repaving and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities. Three other projects are outlined for U.S. Route 14 in the coming years, potentially including new crosswalks, bridge repair and new left turn lanes.

Illinois Route 53 will receive $1.1 million to repair the bridge near Sunset Park in Rolling Meadows. Three other projects are outlined for Illinois Route 53 in the coming years.

Palatine Rd. between Williams Dr. and Alison Dr. will receive $800,000 for general repairs.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Students seeking a master’s degree in social work will be able to take their licensing exam sooner thanks to a new law introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Students of social work will now be licensed upon graduation and able to apply for jobs sooner,” said Gillespie. “Our state is facing a social worker shortage, so this new law will allow us to mitigate that much quicker.”

Senate Bill 1888 allows students in a master’s program for social work to take their licensing exam in their final semester. Before this amendment, students needed to wait until after their degree was awarded.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A harmful chemical found in most common receipt papers is now prohibited from being used in Illinois thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used in thermal receipt papers to develop color that has been found to have negative reproductive and developmental side effects in animals.

“Retail employees and consumers are exposed to BPA every time they handle a receipt,” said Gillespie. “We must protect our workers, and ensure a safe work environment free from potential harm.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A study to identify where the state could expand apprenticeship programs under a plan introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was approved by the governor on Friday.

Senate Bill 2024 requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to conduct a study on the potential expansion of apprenticeship programs in the state by June 1, 2020. The study will focus on underserved communities with high unemployment. The Department will then report its findings to the General Assembly and recommend how to expand work-based learning opportunities.

“My goal is to see what we can do in Illinois to close the gap between workforce needs and available apprenticeship programs,” said Gillespie, an Arlington Heights Democrat who has made career and technical education one of her priorities. “Under this plan, the state would devote more time to studying demographic and regional workforce trends so that we can better prepare to meet the needs of employers and employees in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 2024 is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – A bill sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that would give employers a tax break for assisting apprentices with tuition was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

“When I came to Springfield, I wanted to provide young people with affordable, alternative learning opportunities,” said Gillespie. “This credit will incentivize employers to make meaningful investments in their labor force and give young people marketable job skills.”

Senate Bill 1591 creates a tax credit of $3,500 to incentivize employers to assist apprentices with tuition at Illinois community colleges. The credit is limited to employers engaged in a registered apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor. This measure is an initiative of the Office of the Governor.

Senate Bill 1591 is effective immediately.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – For their efforts to finalize the state’s first capital construction plan in a decade, State Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) were given the Friend of Infrastructure Award by the Transportation for Illinois Coalition today.

TFIC, an umbrella organization of business, labor and transportation groups that have advocated for transportation investment for nearly 20 years, has worked closely with lawmakers in Springfield on the state’s Rebuild Illinois program. Funding shortfalls over the past decade caused many problems with Illinois’ transportation system, including poorly maintained roads and bridges and outdated public facilities.

“Our transportation system has been neglected for too long,” said Sen. Gillespie. “The capital plan will invest in roads and bridges along with over $1 billion in rail projects that will support commuters. This investment in rail transit will allow commuters to save costs on their personal vehicles, have positive impacts on our environment and give businesses more opportunities to thrive.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today that adult literacy programs in her district will receive $235,000 in state grants.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White awarded the grants through the Adult Literacy Grant Program, which helps learners develop and enhance their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“These programs provide adults with the skills needed to enter the workforce,” said Gillespie. “Continued investment in these programs will deliver positive long-term results and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be successful.”

The programs receiving funding in the 27th District are:

• Read to Learn Adult Literacy, Township High School Dist. 214: $100,000
• Family Literacy at the Women's & Children's Center with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Township High School Dist. 214: $50,000
• Illinois Adult Learning Hotline, The Center: $85,000