SCHAUMBURG — In recognition of her work to improve health care access and quality for Illinois residents, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association named State Senator Ann Gillespie a 2023 Community Health Center Champion.

“Serving over a million Illinoisans annually, community health centers play a vital role in making quality health care accessible,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who chairs the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee. “Working to ensure our health care system supports both patients and providers has been one of my priorities as a senator, and it’s an honor to be recognized by IPHCA for these efforts.”

Gillespie has introduced legislation to expand access to behavioral health services at federally qualified health centers. This spring, Gillespie passed legislation establishing a state-based health insurance marketplace, which will help uninsured Illinoisans acquire the coverage they need. She was also instrumental in the historic passage of Illinois’ first rate review legislation that protects consumers and small businesses from unfair health insurance premium rate increases.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Literacy programs within the 27th District will receive $235,000 in combined state grants, thanks to support from State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Literacy programs equip individuals of all ages with the essential skills they need to succeed,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will help support these valuable programs as they continue to provide local residents with access to high-quality learning opportunities.”

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office awarded $150,000 to Township High School District 214 for adult volunteer and family literacy programs, and $85,000 to The Center for literacy programs. Grants will support programs that assist learners in enhancing their reading, writing, math and English-language skills.

More information about statewide library grants can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie has been chosen to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Milbank Fellows Program, a 10-month leadership program focused on public policy to improve health outcomes. This year’s class includes 24 legislative and executive branch leaders from around the country whose work demonstrates a commitment to bringing health equity to their communities.

“I am honored to join leaders from across the country who are also committed to improving health care outcomes within our communities,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “As a state senator with a background in health care, I have made it a priority to advance legislation addressing health care issues, including access and affordability. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I gain from this program to make a difference in the lives of the people I represent.”

The Milbank Fellows Program works to improve population health and health equity by collaborating with leaders and decision makers. Under the fellowship program, leaders will gain new knowledge and evidence-based approaches to improving population health. It also offers opportunities to develop leadership capacities and network with colleagues throughout the U.S.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — To help small businesses continue to recover from losses sustained in the pandemic, State Senator Ann Gillespie announced that 14 local restaurants have received grants through the Back to Business program.

“Many small businesses are still recovering from the financial impact of the last few years,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “The Back to Business program has provided a vital investment in the hardest-hit industries in our state, including restaurants, allowing them to continue providing services our communities enjoy and rely on.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest-hit industries. Fourteen restaurants in Gillespie’s district will receive a total of $610,000.