SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ first statewide construction plan in over a decade was signed by Gov. Pritzker today and will set up a framework and funding formula to rebuild Illinois’ roads, bridges and public facilities in every corner of the state.

The 27th District will receive funds for everything from street repairs and storm sewer system maintenance to and renovations to non-profit facilities.

“This plan will provide good-paying jobs for people across the state, and investment in communities that have been in need of it for a long time,” said Gillespie. “Not only will it get people to work, but having well-maintained roads and highways will provide savings for taxpayers and motorists in the future.”

Some of the projects coming to the 27th District include maintenance and renovations for non-profits like Northwest Compass, Clearbrook and Little City and flood mitigation projects in several municipalities.

“I went to Springfield to get things done for our community and to provide real, tangible results,” said Gillespie. “This bill will deliver and improve the quality of life for all people in our area and across the state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted for the proposed budget that passed the Senate today, emphasizing the importance of its increased funding for education and skills training.

“The budget we passed today creates a robust framework for workforce development,” said Gillespie. “Coupled with the bills I’ve passed this session, I believe that our manufacturing, health care and technological innovation industries will be revitalized and provide good-paying jobs in communities across the state.”

Under the proposed budget for FY20, community colleges would receive an additional $20 million for skills training and workforce development programs. The appropriations for higher education would be increased by 5 percent, and Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) grants for college students would see an additional $50 million.

“Not only does this budget prioritize the right areas, but it is fiscally sound,” said Gillespie. “We should see a multimillion-dollar surplus, and ensure a predictable business environment for employers.”

The budget will go to the House for concurrence before being sent to the governor.

SPRINGFIELD – Citing safety provisions and local autonomy, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis in Illinois.

House Bill 1438 would legalize adult-use cannabis consumption for adults 21 years or older. The bill details where revenue will be allocated, product safety regulations, social equity measures and expungement procedures for convictions dealing with small amounts of cannabis.

“If you purchase cannabis from the illicit market today, there is no surefire way for you to know what you are getting,” said Gillespie. “You could get a product that is laced or diluted with something harmful. By legalizing cannabis for adult-use, we can regulate the potency and quality of the product and ensure that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing. These safety regulations will save lives.”

Under the bill, local governments have been afforded with the autonomy to decide how cannabis businesses operate in their community, or to disallow them. Local governments will be responsible for zoning ordinances, public consumption ordinances and may opt-out altogether if preferred.

“Providing local governments and employers with the autonomy to decide how to deal with the cannabis industry is important,” said Gillespie. “Employers may still have zero tolerance drug policies for their businesses and choose whether or not to allow consumption on their property.”

House Bill 1438 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and will go to the House for concurrence.

SPRINGFIELD – Students seeking a master’s degree in social work would be allowed to take their licensing exam sooner under a bill sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that passed the Illinois House this week.

“There is a devastating shortage of social workers in Illinois,” said Gillespie. “Streamlining the licensing process will allow students to search for jobs in communities that need their expertise.”

Under current law, individuals seeking to be licensed as a social worker must first graduate with a master’s degree in social work. Senate Bill 1888 would allow them to take the exam prior to graduation in order to streamline the process.

Senate Bill 1888 is an initiative of the National Association of Social Workers and passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.

“This is such a critical bill to address the workforce shortages we are having throughout the state, but particularly in rural areas,” said Kyle Hillman, director of legislative affairs for the organization’s Illinois chapter. “If we can get social workers licensed quicker, we can get these practitioners into our agencies quicker to provide the needed mental health care in such demand.”

Senate Bill 1888 awaits the governor’s signature to become law.