ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – After the brief closures of Community Based Testing Sites (CBTS) throughout Illinois, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced the reopening of the Rolling Meadows testing site.

“Having a testing site readily available in our community is a valuable service,” Gillespie said. “I encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to please get tested. We all must continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Read more: Gillespie announces reopening of local COVID-19 testing site

SPRINGFIELD – As part of a historic health care package that passed the Illinois Senate, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted to pass legislation that would create a feasibility study on health care affordability.

“Too many people are left out of our health care coverage system because it is unaffordable for low- and middle-income families,” Gillespie said. “This study will look at a variety of options and best practices used in other states to see which is the best fit for Illinois.”

Read more: Gillespie moves to study more affordable health care for working families

SPRINGFIELD – After voting to pass a state budget that preserves services for the most vulnerable people, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement:

“Facing the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, I believe that this budget preserves all the right programs. Not one cut will be made to education, and essential human services will see an increase in state support.

“Senior services, childcare assistance programs and mental health initiatives will be heavily relied upon by working families across the state as we continue to deal with the pandemic. I am glad these priorities meet with such support.

“I urge the governor to sign this budget and preserve the dignity of all Illinoisans who will need these vital services.”

SPRINGFIELD – As the Senate approved an education plan without addressing the abuse of seclusion rooms in schools, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement:

“I am incredibly disappointed that the provisions to protect our most vulnerable students were excluded from the final bill. Advocates and I are trying to address the reality of children being shackled in our schools, while the opposition is more concerned with administrative provisions in the legislation.

“When physical attendance at schools resumes, our children should not fear that their basic dignity will be stripped away. I remain committed to ending the inhumane practices of prone restraint and the abuse of seclusion rooms.”