SPRINGFIELD — Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to guaranteed legal representation thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie that passed committee on Tuesday.

“Youth in care deserve to have a voice in the decisions being made about their future,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Guaranteeing they have legal representation puts someone in their corner — an advocate who will stand up in court and fight for the outcomes the child wants to see.”

Read more: Gillespie advances legislation providing foster youth with legal counsel

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement in response to the Illinois Department of Human Services’ plan to improve care and conditions at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna:

“I am pleased to see the state taking action to fix the ongoing issues at Choate. The residents of Choate deserve to live in a dignified and supportive environment.

“The three-year plan outlined by IDHS is a start. Implementing new safety measures, expanding support for individuals and their families to pursue opportunities for community-based living, and hiring additional staff are steps I support.

“I am encouraged by this proposed plan that prioritizes resident well-being and dignity. While this initiative will not be a quick fix, a comprehensive and research-based approach is needed to deliver dependable and equitable care moving forward.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – With strong support from State Senator Ann Gillespie, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine and Rolling Meadows are set to receive nearly $2.3 million for land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

“Our park districts offer recreational and green spaces for our neighbors to enjoy and contribute to what makes our community a great place to live,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “These matching funds will help improve the outdoor spaces we have available and preserve them for years to come.”

Read more: $2.3 million coming to local park districts

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his FY24 budget proposal to the Illinois General Assembly:

“The governor’s proposed budget holds true to our commitment to making Illinois a leader in investing in our youth. Millions in new funding to expand our early childhood education programming and to support child care providers will ensure that kids have the support system they need for long-term success, as well as support working parents. Our most vulnerable are also accounted for in this proposal, with more than $2 billion in support for care for people living with developmental disabilities.

“Building upon the responsible spending decisions we’ve made in recent years, I am encouraged to see that we will not let up on improving the state’s fiscal health. Our pension system remains fully funded under this proposal, and our Rainy Day Fund now has $1.9 million for emergencies. I look forward to working with my colleagues on our budget team to ensure that these needed investments are made, and that we build a budget that works for all Illinoisans.”