SPRINGFIELD — Suburban township mental health boards approved by referendum last year will be able to collect the revenue needed to operate after legislation led by State Senator Ann Gillespie was signed into law Nov. 17.

“I am grateful we were able to quickly advance legislation to amend an error within the referendums and allow our community mental health boards to provide vital services to those in need,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Residents made their voices heard when they approved the boards, and it is fundamental to democracy that we uphold their decision.”

Community mental health boards, or 708 boards, are appointed panels that levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. Referendums approving 708 boards in several townships – including Addison, Elgin, Lisle, Naperville, Schaumburg and Wheeling townships – and Will County were deemed invalid because they did not include language about how the tax to fund the board would impact homeowners.

Senate Bill 690 guarantees the results of these referendums, allowing affected townships to levy the tax necessary to fund the boards without re-submitting the referendum in 2024.

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation spearheaded by State Senator Ann Gillespie that will ensure township community mental health boards can collect the revenue needed to operate is one step closer to becoming law.

“Residents voiced their support for these boards, and they want to see more investment in mental health care,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This is a sensible fix that will allow townships to move forward with their mental health boards and expand these vital services.”

Community mental health boards, or 708 boards, are appointed panels that levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. Boards approved via referendum in the 2022 general election in Addison, Elgin, Lisle, Naperville, Schaumburg and Wheeling townships and Will County did not include required language about how the new tax to fund the board would impact property owners. Because of this, those municipalities would be unable to collect the funds needed to operate.

Senate Bill 690 will guarantee the results of last year’s referendums, allowing affected municipalities to levy the tax necessary to fund the boards. Under this measure, townships that already approved a community mental health board in 2022 will be prohibited from re-submitting the referendum in 2024.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ann Gillespie passed legislation Wednesday to preserve township mental health boards, ensuring they can collect the revenue needed to operate.

“We’ve seen the value residents place on mental health care — they already approved the tax increases that will fund the creation of these community mental health boards,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “By validating these boards, municipalities can levy the taxes to allow the boards to function as intended.”

Community mental health boards, or 708 boards, are appointed panels that levy property taxes to fund local organizations and community mental health initiatives. Under current law, any 708 board approved after May 13, 2022 must adhere to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law and include language in the referendum about the financial impact on homeowners. Boards approved via referendum in the 2022 general election in Addison, Lisle, Naperville, Schaumburg, Wheeling and Vernon townships and Will County did not include the required PTELL language. Without this language, municipalities would not be able to levy taxes for the board until 2025.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie announced that the Mount Prospect Park District will receive $137,500 in funding for improvements to the Commonwealth Edison Trail.

“Multi-use trails such as this one are frequently used by residents walking, running and biking,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Spending time outdoors, whether for recreation or exercise, is beneficial to our health, and I look forward to seeing these trail improvements.”

Over $2.1 million was awarded through the latest round of the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program. The program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, provides funds to assist local units of government in the acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public off-road, non-motorized bicycle paths and related facilities.

The Mount Prospect Park District will use the funds to repair portions of the Commonwealth Edison Trail from Algonquin Road and to Linneman Road. Proposed improvements include accessible entry points, seating areas and signage.

To learn more about the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program and view grant recipients, visit the IDNR website.