Gillespie resigns Senate seat, heads to Department of Insurance

SPRINGFIELD — After more than five years of dedicated service to residents of the 27th District, State Senator Ann Gillespie is stepping down from her role to become the new acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

“We have the chance to impact so many lives with what we do here,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I’m grateful the people of the 27th District sent me here, and I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of being an Illinois state senator.”

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Stolen license plate, registration sticker replacements would be free under Sims measure

SPRINGFIELD — If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they wouldn’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a measure led through the Senate by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don’t get fined. We should never penalize victims – no matter how big or small the price.”

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Illinois one step closer to having new early childhood agency thanks to Lightford

SPRINGFIELD — Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led the charge through the Senate to create a new state agency – the Department of early Childhood – to streamline the administration of early childhood education care programs and services.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The creation of this unique agency will break ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

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Chicago could soon benefit from Business Improvement Districts, thanks to Feigenholtz

SPRINGFIELD — To give downtown Chicago business owners a concrete path to address the needs of their communities and generate revenue that can be used to revitalize business corridors across the city, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation that would allow for the creation of Business Improvement Districts.

“After three years of work, we are giving Magnificent Mile business owners the freedom to chart their own path on a downtown revitalization plan,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Through Business Improvement Districts, our vibrant city centers will have the flexibility and authority to direct their own spending, development and revival.”

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