SPRINGFIELD – Essential workplaces now have more incentive to implement protective health measures thanks to State Senator Ann Gillespie’s (D-Arlington Heights) efforts in negotiating a major labor plan that passed the Illinois Senate Thursday.

“This pandemic has shown just how vulnerable working people are if they get sick on the job,” Gillespie said. “Essential workers and first-responders deserve a safety net, so they and their families are protected from the economic fallout of catching COVID-19.”

The state’s Worker’s Compensation Act generally places the burden of proof on the injured employee and is not applicable to Chicago police, fire or paramedic personnel. Senator Gillespie was successful in negotiating a provision that would create a “rebuttable presumption” that first-responders and essential employees who contract COVID-19 did so on the job.

Read more: Gillespie secures workplace protections for essential employees, first-responders

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – As the state continues to make COVID-19 testing more available, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced the opening of a new testing site in Rolling Meadows today. The site will open this Friday, May 22.

The testing site will be located in the parking lot of Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 Central Rd. and will open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. while daily supplies last. This location will only offer drive-through testing and patients must remain in their vehicles.

Anyone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19 may be tested without a doctor’s referral. Individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, have compromised immune systems, have a chronic medical condition or are front-line workers may be tested without symptoms. All patients must provide a photo ID and a health care employee or first responder badge if applicable. Due to the demand for testing, long wait times are expected at this location.

Senator Gillespie and staff are available to answer any questions about COVID-19 testing services at 847-749-1880. For a full list of testing locations visit the state’s Coronavirus response website.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – With utility costs rising for working families as they transition to working and learning from home, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) encouraged residents to participate in the Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) ongoing Virtual Utility Bill Clinic to potentially save homeowners money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Shifting our workplaces from the office to our homes means in some cases shifting our costs home, too," Gillespie said. “Those in need of economic relief should send their bills to CUB to see where they can save.”

Read more: Gillespie: Utility relief available for working families

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Seeing an increase in hate crimes and harassment committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement:

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 there has been a significant increase in crimes committed against the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It is on all of us to stand up against hate – especially in our own community.

“A welcoming state is more than just the law – it takes each and every one of us to actively call out discrimination when and where we see it. It takes courage to do this, but we must make it clear that hate is not welcome in our community. I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment of any kind to report it to the Attorney General.”

You can report incidents on the Illinois Attorney General’s website, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling 877-581-3692.