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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — With support from State Senator Ann Gillespie, the Arlington Heights Park District was awarded $2.8 million for renovations and improvements to park facilities.
“Local park districts play an important role in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This investment will further improve our park facilities, making them safe, accessible and enjoyable for years to come.”
The Park and Recreational Facility Construction grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program. More than $28 million was awarded to local governments for the construction, renovation and improvements of buildings or land purchases for public recreational opportunities. The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded.
The Arlington Heights Park District will receive $2.8 million for building renovations, demolition of existing pools, the construction of a new Olympic-sized lap pool and children’s water play area, and site improvements to bring areas into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
For more information about the PARC grant program, visit the IDNR website.
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie announced seven school districts in the 27th District have received more than $38,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.
“School libraries play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic and personal development,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will empower our schools to provide a diverse range of materials to better equip our youth for the future.”
Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.
The following school districts in Gillespie’s district received a total of $38,486:
- Arlington Heights School District 25 - $4,099
- Mount Prospect School District 57 - $1,785
- Palatine Community Consolidated School District 15 - $8,978
- Prospect Heights School District 23 - $1,127
- River Trails School District 26 - $1,256
- Township High School District 211 - $10,748
- Township High School District 214 - $10,493
Read more: Gillespie announces over $38,000 in library grants for area school districts
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SPRINGFIELD – Immigration status cannot be considered during real estate transactions, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Ann Gillespie that is now in effect.
“No person should face discrimination when trying to rent or purchase property,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This new law reinforces Illinois’ commitment to fostering inclusivity and safeguarding the civil rights of all residents in the state.”
The Illinois Human Rights Act now includes immigration status as a protected class, making it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their immigration status when renting or selling property. Landlords and property sellers cannot refuse to rent or sell, receive or transmit offers, or negotiate the terms of a deal with someone based on their immigration status.
“Our state has a long history of championing civil rights, and this new law protects against discriminatory practices,” said Gillespie. “Everyone deserves the chance to secure a home, and now we are ensuring no one is unfairly denied that right.”
Senate Bill 1817 took effect Jan. 1.
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SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, requirements for affordable housing will be strengthened for municipalities throughout the state thanks to a law led by State Senator Ann Gillespie.
“This legislation represents a targeted effort to enhance our approach to affordable housing in Illinois,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “By adding additional standards to existing requirements, we are encouraging a well-defined plan with clear goals and timelines.”
The new law amends the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, revising the definition of affordable housing to include the costs of any required parking, maintenance or landlord-imposed fees in rental units when calculating the amount of affordable housing in a given area. Local governments that are required to submit affordable housing plans must include benchmarks for new affordable housing developments and proposed timelines, along with a summary of actions taken to implement the plan.
Read more: Gillespie law to improve affordable housing plans effective Jan. 1