Gillespie’s Medicaid package signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ann Gillespie’s comprehensive Medicaid package was signed into law today, which will expand access to care for thousands of Illinois residents and provide vital support for mental health services.

“Medicaid is a critical safety net for thousands of Illinois residents who rely on it for health care,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “By increasing reimbursement rates, expanding services and investing in telehealth, we can help providers offer affordable, quality care.”

The new law contains numerous provisions aimed at improving Medicaid reimbursement rates and expanding services across various health care sectors. Included are rate increases for inpatient substance use disorder treatment, hospitals, supportive living facilities, community-based mental health services, and inpatient psychiatric care at hospitals. These reimbursement rate increases will bolster the availability and quality of care in these critical areas.

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Gillespie welcomes budget that prioritizes education, supports families

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois continues to build on responsible spending decisions, investing in education and services that support working families, thanks to support from State Senator Ann Gillespie of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which was signed into law Wednesday.

“This budget is fiscally responsible, prioritizes investments in education and economic development, and contains measures that support working families,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “As chair of the Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee, I am proud to support this budget that reflects our commitment to providing essential resources and support to those who need it the most.”

The FY24 budget builds on years of fiscal progress, allocating an additional $200 million pension payment on top of the $500 million added in the previous two fiscal years. Wage increases for direct support professionals and home health workers — who fill a critical role in caring for people with disabilities, older adults and other vulnerable populations — will help essential workers achieve financial stability for themselves and their families.

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Gillespie invites public to legislative town halls

State Senator Ann Gillespie is hosting a series of town halls to discuss legislative achievements for the 27th District. In the coming weeks, Gillespie and State Representatives Mark Walker and Mary Beth Canty will be holding events throughout the district — all residents are welcome to attend to learn about the latest from Springfield and engage in a civil discussion on legislative manners.

The town halls are scheduled the first two weeks in June and are open to the public.

• Tuesday, June 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., with State Representatives Walker and Canty
• Thursday, June 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., with State Representative Canty
• Tuesday, June 13, 6-8 p.m. at Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 W. Dundee Road, with State Representative Canty
• Thursday, June 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Rolling Meadows Park Facility, 3000 Central Road, with State Representative Walker

For questions, contact the district office at 847-749-1880.

Gillespie: Fiscally responsible budget supports working families

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after voting to pass the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget:

“I am proud to support a budget that invests in our future and positions Illinois for long-term prosperity. This budget is fiscally responsible, prioritizes investments in education and economic development, and contains measures that support working families.

“Historic investments in early childhood education and programming paired with strategic funding for workforce development programs will ensure that every parent has the child care and job training they need to make a living.

“Continuing to improve the state’s fiscal health, we have paid down debt, eliminated the bill backlog and will make an additional $200 million pension payment beyond what’s required. Overall, this year’s budget builds on past fiscal progress while making transformative investments in the services working people depend on.”