SPRINGFIELD – Illinois would join Texas in forbidding guns in polling places under a plan introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“If Texas can see the problem with people bringing guns to vote, then so can Illinois,” said Gillespie, an Arlington Heights Democrat. “In these times of intense political division, it’s understandable that people would be concerned about their safety at voting sites. Voters should leave their guns at home. It’s as simple as that.”

Gillespie’s Senate Bill 1242 would prohibit concealed carry weapons from polling places and their parking lots.

During the 2016 presidential election, voters in Loudoun County, Virginia, who were dropping off absentee ballots at a voting location were greeted by a man with a gun strapped to his waist who questioned at least one of them about their preferred candidate.

Four states currently prohibit guns at voting sites: Texas, Florida, Louisiana and California. Georgia bars firearms within 150 feet of a polling station.

Twenty percent of Illinois polling sites are not in buildings that are gun-free zones under state law.

SPRINGFIELD – The governor’s plan to invest more in career and technical education is welcome news for students and families in the northwest suburbs, State Senator Ann Gillespie said today.

“I am encouraged by the governor’s pledge to invest $5 million in career and technical education. I’m excited about the possibilities, particularly as we look to shore up the Illinois economy, stop the outmigration of suburban students to other states and put more people to work in good-paying jobs right here at home,” Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) said.

Gillespie’s remarks came after the governor delivered his first budget address to the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield.

She noted the governor’s overall plans to increase the state’s investment in education: $375 million more for public schools, increased funding for early childhood education, more money for college MAP grants and a greater investment in universities and community colleges.

“The key to fueling Illinois’ economic rebirth is to invest in education from cradle to career. I’m glad the governor shares this priority,” Gillespie said. “Now it’s time for us all to get down to business, learn from past failures and figure out how to make some of these ideas a reality.”

SPRINGFIELD – Low-wage workers in the northwest suburbs could better support themselves and their families under a minimum wage increase that’s making its way through the Illinois General Assembly.

If approved and signed by the governor, it would be the first minimum wage increase in Illinois in a decade.

“I believe Springfield should work for working families, and we can start by investing in people who work the hardest but earn the least,” said State Senator Ann Gillespie, an Arlington Heights Democrat and a longtime proponent of a $15 minimum wage. “A significant increase in the minimum wage is long overdue in Illinois, and I am pleased to support this effort on behalf of working people.”

Read more: Gillespie continues her fight for $15 minimum wage

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Area residents are invited to get acquainted with two of their state lawmakers during an open house Saturday in Arlington Heights.

State Sen. Ann Gillespie and State Rep. Mark Walker, both of Arlington Heights, will host the open house at their district office, 120 W. Eastman St., Suite 207. The event will begin at noon and end at 4 p.m.

Residents will be able to speak with the lawmakers about local needs and priorities for the spring legislative session, meet district office staff and enjoy refreshments.

For more information, call 847-749-1880.