Gillespie-supported bill to validate mental health boards heads to governor

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.

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Gillespie legislation preserves township mental health boards

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.

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Gillespie highlights funding for local outdoor trail

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.

Gillespie receives Community Health Center Champion award

SCHAUMBURG — In recognition of her work to improve health care access and quality for Illinois residents, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association named State Senator Ann Gillespie a 2023 Community Health Center Champion.

“Serving over a million Illinoisans annually, community health centers play a vital role in making quality health care accessible,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), who chairs the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee. “Working to ensure our health care system supports both patients and providers has been one of my priorities as a senator, and it’s an honor to be recognized by IPHCA for these efforts.”

Gillespie has introduced legislation to expand access to behavioral health services at federally qualified health centers. This spring, Gillespie passed legislation establishing a state-based health insurance marketplace, which will help uninsured Illinoisans acquire the coverage they need. She was also instrumental in the historic passage of Illinois’ first rate review legislation that protects consumers and small businesses from unfair health insurance premium rate increases.

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