Gillespie votes for health care expansion in vulnerable communities
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SPRINGFIELD – To improve health outcomes in communities across Illinois, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted to pass major health care reform legislation that would make investments in community-based health centers and address systemic health disparities among marginalized groups.
“If we really want to improve health outcomes, we need to meet people where they are,” Gillespie said. “The meaningful investments this legislation makes in community-based health providers will make that happen.”
The legislation would facilitate coordination between Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and hospitals, evaluate Managed Care Organizations and create a $50 million maternal mortality prevention program among other technical provisions. The measure aims to improve health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health, including social, economic and physical environments.
House Bill 158 passed the Illinois Senate 41-16 and awaits the governor’s signature.
Gillespie elected co-chair of Senate Women’s Caucus
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SPRINGFIELD – After being elected co-chair of the bipartisan Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement:
“I am honored to have been elected as co-chair of the Senate Women’s Caucus and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue our fight for full gender equality.
“Women still face systemic disparities in health care, employment, compensation and more. The pandemic has amplified those disparities, especially for working women of color.
“The Senate Women’s Caucus is eager to continue our work and champion legislation that will improve the livelihoods and futures of women across the state.”
Gillespie announces local CTE grant recipients to some District 211, 214 schools
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To provide alternative and affordable education options to students, the Illinois State Board of Education has awarded career and technical education (CTE) grants to three schools in the 27th Illinois Senate District, represented by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).
“As our economy adapts to the pandemic, CTE is becoming increasingly important,” Gillespie said. “These grants will help train future CTE teachers so that young learners in our community have access to affordable educational opportunities for a career in growing industries.”
Gillespie moves to repay up to $6,500 in student debt for school social workers
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address the growing student debt crisis, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) introduced legislation that would provide a loan repayment option for public school social workers that could cover up to $6,500 of a student’s debt.
“The student debt crisis is crushing our school social workers,” Gillespie said. “These careers typically require high educational requirements, with compensation that is less than adequate."
The legislation would require the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to consider up to $6,500 in loan repayment assistance to borrowers with loans related to a degree in social work. Recipients must be employed at a public elementary or secondary school in Illinois for at least one year. Gillespie’s proposal also grants priority to applicants who are members of underrepresented communities in the social work field.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are over 1.6 million student borrowers in Illinois with a collective $60 billion in student debt.
The legislation, Senate Bill 662, awaits consideration in the Senate Higher Education Committee.
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