ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Four local park districts will receive extra help from the state for improvement projects, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today.

“Our local park departments work hard to manage the facilities that offer residents an active and healthy lifestyle,” Gillespie said. “These grants will help them continue their work without burdening local taxpayers.”

Read more: Gillespie announces over $1.5 million investment in local parks

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – The Illinois Secretary of State’s School Library Grant program will award six local school districts over $33,000 in state funds, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today.

“Developing a love of reading and strong reading skills is one of the most beneficial investments we can make in education,” Gillespie said. “Keeping school libraries up to date with contemporary literature will help young students find books they enjoy and have positive effects on their educational career.”

Read more: Six local schools to receive state library grants

CHICAGO – Seniors will no longer have to continually reapply for a property tax break under a measure passed by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) this week.

“Reapplying for the homestead exemption every year can be a long, confusing process for many seniors,” Gillespie said. “We are cutting bureaucratic red tape so that seniors won’t be bogged down with tedious paperwork any longer.”

The Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption saves approximately 250,000 Cook County seniors up to $8,000 on their property taxes. With this measure, homeowners 65 and older will be automatically reapproved after applying once more for 2020. Cook County is the only county in the state that does not automatically reapprove qualifying seniors.

House Bill 961 passed with unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers and is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – Members of the joint bipartisan Illinois Senate and House Education Committees met Tuesday to examine the abuse of seclusion rooms in public schools.

State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) introduced Senate Bill 2315 to ban the use of these rooms as a punitive measure.

“We must end the abusive practice of de facto solitary confinement and improper use of restraints,” Gillespie said. “At the same time we must meet the unique needs of students, honor their dignity and ensure a safe environment for all. This is the needle we must thread with our legislation, and I look forward to working closely with all the stakeholders to achieve immediate and sustainable changes to the culture and practices in our schools.”

Read more: Lawmakers seek answers to abuse of seclusion rooms in schools