ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Fifty businesses in the Northwest Suburbs were awarded a total of $1.9 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Our small business community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the past few years, many finding creative ways to keep their doors open during the pandemic,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after these unprecedented times.”

A total of $1.9 million was awarded to 50 businesses in the 27th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Senator Gillespie – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

Due to fiscal responsibility, Illinois saw an increase in funds available to assist small businesses. The state has seen six Illinois’ General Obligation bond rating upgrades in the last year from all three of the nation’s primary credit rating agencies. The latest two-notch upgrade comes from Fitch Ratings, as a result of the state paying down its bill backlog from over $16 billion to less than $3 billion in a course of just a few years.

Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program.

State Senator Ann Gillespie hosted the first annual Great District 214 Culinary Competition Bake-Off on Friday in partnership with Township High School District 214, Harper College, Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Students enrolled in District 214’s Culinary Arts ProStart Career Pathway program competed in teams for a culinary arts scholarship to Harper College. Teams were evaluated by a panel of judges that included Senator Gillespie and local restaurant chefs and owners that partner with District 214 on their ProStart Career Pathways program.

“Making career and technical education more visible, like District 214’s Career Pathway programs, will highlight affordable alternatives to college that are available to students and give them the hands-on experience they need for success,” Gillespie said. “Congratulations to this year’s winners, and I am excited to see them apply their baking skills at Harper College.”

Read more: Gillespie's first annual bake-off awards students with scholarships to Harper College

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after voting to pass the state’s FY23 budget:

“Our budget continues to make the critical investments needed to improve our health care system. With over $150 million in combined funding for Medicaid expansion and nursing home assessment, we are overhauling how Illinois spends its money to prioritize quality of care for patients.

“To provide stability to our most vulnerable neighbors, $25 million is available for homelessness prevention services through the Department of Human Services. Overall, this year’s budget builds upon the responsible spending decisions we’ve made over the past few years to enhance the systems and services that working people rely on.”

SPRINGFIELD – To recognize the critical role of women in U.S. Armed Forces, State Senators Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), co-chairs of the Senate Women’s Caucus, are sponsoring a resolution to declare June 12 as Women’s Veterans Day in Illinois.

“Women have sacrificed much for our nation while serving at home and abroad,” Gillespie said. “We are grateful for their service and honor the contributions of the over two million women veterans who have served our country.”

Read more: June 12 declared Women’s Veterans Day in Illinois