ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today that adult literacy programs in her district will receive $235,000 in state grants.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White awarded the grants through the Adult Literacy Grant Program, which helps learners develop and enhance their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“These programs provide adults with the skills needed to enter the workforce,” said Gillespie. “Continued investment in these programs will deliver positive long-term results and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be successful.”

The programs receiving funding in the 27th District are:

• Read to Learn Adult Literacy, Township High School Dist. 214: $100,000
• Family Literacy at the Women's & Children's Center with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Township High School Dist. 214: $50,000
• Illinois Adult Learning Hotline, The Center: $85,000

A total of 14,352 learners will be served by adult literacy programs around the state. A total of 6,086 volunteer tutors will provide training for learners putting them on the path to lifelong learning. Adult literacy projects help adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their reading, writing, math or use of English as a new language.

“An estimated 2.1 million Illinois residents need adult literacy and/or English-language instruction,” White said. “I am pleased to provide funding for 113 local literacy projects that will allow adult learners to achieve their utmost potential in the upcoming year. I will continue to do all I can to ensure that every citizen of this state has access to quality literacy programs.”
In total, the secretary of state’s office awarded $5.6 million in grants to adult literacy programs around the state.
To learn more about adult literacy grant programs, visit https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/literacy/adultlit-grants-overview.html.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ first statewide construction plan in over a decade was signed by Gov. Pritzker today and will set up a framework and funding formula to rebuild Illinois’ roads, bridges and public facilities in every corner of the state.

The 27th District will receive funds for everything from street repairs and storm sewer system maintenance to and renovations to non-profit facilities.

“This plan will provide good-paying jobs for people across the state, and investment in communities that have been in need of it for a long time,” said Gillespie. “Not only will it get people to work, but having well-maintained roads and highways will provide savings for taxpayers and motorists in the future.”

Some of the projects coming to the 27th District include maintenance and renovations for non-profits like Northwest Compass, Clearbrook and Little City and flood mitigation projects in several municipalities.

“I went to Springfield to get things done for our community and to provide real, tangible results,” said Gillespie. “This bill will deliver and improve the quality of life for all people in our area and across the state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted for the proposed budget that passed the Senate today, emphasizing the importance of its increased funding for education and skills training.

“The budget we passed today creates a robust framework for workforce development,” said Gillespie. “Coupled with the bills I’ve passed this session, I believe that our manufacturing, health care and technological innovation industries will be revitalized and provide good-paying jobs in communities across the state.”

Under the proposed budget for FY20, community colleges would receive an additional $20 million for skills training and workforce development programs. The appropriations for higher education would be increased by 5 percent, and Monetary Assistance Program (MAP) grants for college students would see an additional $50 million.

“Not only does this budget prioritize the right areas, but it is fiscally sound,” said Gillespie. “We should see a multimillion-dollar surplus, and ensure a predictable business environment for employers.”

The budget will go to the House for concurrence before being sent to the governor.

SPRINGFIELD – Citing safety provisions and local autonomy, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis in Illinois.

House Bill 1438 would legalize adult-use cannabis consumption for adults 21 years or older. The bill details where revenue will be allocated, product safety regulations, social equity measures and expungement procedures for convictions dealing with small amounts of cannabis.

“If you purchase cannabis from the illicit market today, there is no surefire way for you to know what you are getting,” said Gillespie. “You could get a product that is laced or diluted with something harmful. By legalizing cannabis for adult-use, we can regulate the potency and quality of the product and ensure that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing. These safety regulations will save lives.”

Under the bill, local governments have been afforded with the autonomy to decide how cannabis businesses operate in their community, or to disallow them. Local governments will be responsible for zoning ordinances, public consumption ordinances and may opt-out altogether if preferred.

“Providing local governments and employers with the autonomy to decide how to deal with the cannabis industry is important,” said Gillespie. “Employers may still have zero tolerance drug policies for their businesses and choose whether or not to allow consumption on their property.”

House Bill 1438 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and will go to the House for concurrence.