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.

Further, the budget prioritizes education from preschool to college. Included is a $250 million investment into early childhood education, expanding access to preschool, building the child care workforce and providing additional early intervention and home visiting programs. $350 million in new funds will support the evidence-based funding model for K-12 education, ensuring all students have access to a quality education. Record funding for higher education includes additional MAP grant funding, allowing nearly all students at or below median income to attend community college for free.

“By eliminating preschool deserts, expanding access to child care and making education more attainable, we are furthering our commitment to families,” said Gillespie. “With this budget in place, we are not only meeting the immediate needs of our communities but also building a solid and prosperous future for all Illinois residents.”

The FY24 budget will take effect on July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.

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.

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.”

L-R: Laz Lopez, District 214 interim superintendent; Bake-Off winners Adam Chamala, Jonathan Alvarado, Alejandro Pons Jurado and Samantha Rowan; and State Senator Ann Gillespie.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Students enrolled in District 214’s Culinary Arts ProStart Career Pathway rose to the challenge as they baked sweet and savory breads during State Senator Ann Gillespie’s second annual Great District 214 Culinary Competition Bake-Off on Thursday.

“I am so impressed with the talent and creativity students displayed this year,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Congratulations to our winners; I know you will be successful as you continue your culinary journey.”

Teams from Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows high schools competed in savory and sweet categories. The winning dishes, both from Elk Grove High School teams, were jalapeño popper monkey bread from Alejandro Pons Jurado and Jonathan Alvarado in the savory category, and caramel macchiato cream cheese muffins from Samantha Rowan and Adam Chamala in the sweet category. The students will each receive scholarship funds to attend Harper College.

Read more: Students awarded scholarship to Harper College at Senator Gillespie’s bake-off event