Gillespie law strengthens immigrant housing protections

SPRINGFIELD – Immigration status cannot be considered during real estate transactions, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Ann Gillespie that is now in effect.

“No person should face discrimination when trying to rent or purchase property,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This new law reinforces Illinois’ commitment to fostering inclusivity and safeguarding the civil rights of all residents in the state.”

The Illinois Human Rights Act now includes immigration status as a protected class, making it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their immigration status when renting or selling property. Landlords and property sellers cannot refuse to rent or sell, receive or transmit offers, or negotiate the terms of a deal with someone based on their immigration status.

“Our state has a long history of championing civil rights, and this new law protects against discriminatory practices,” said Gillespie. “Everyone deserves the chance to secure a home, and now we are ensuring no one is unfairly denied that right.”

Senate Bill 1817 took effect Jan. 1.

Gillespie law to improve affordable housing plans effective Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, requirements for affordable housing will be strengthened for municipalities throughout the state thanks to a law led by State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“This legislation represents a targeted effort to enhance our approach to affordable housing in Illinois,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “By adding additional standards to existing requirements, we are encouraging a well-defined plan with clear goals and timelines.”

The new law amends the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, revising the definition of affordable housing to include the costs of any required parking, maintenance or landlord-imposed fees in rental units when calculating the amount of affordable housing in a given area. Local governments that are required to submit affordable housing plans must include benchmarks for new affordable housing developments and proposed timelines, along with a summary of actions taken to implement the plan.

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Improved Medicaid reimbursement rates effective Jan. 1, thanks to Gillespie

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will have greater access to care and mental health services after State Senator Ann Gillespie’s comprehensive Medicaid overhaul takes effect Jan. 1.

“Thousands of Illinois residents depend on health care through Medicaid,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “We are helping providers with offering affordable and high-quality care by expanding services, investing in telehealth and increasing reimbursement rates.”

The new law comprises many provisions that aim to improve Medicaid reimbursement rates and expand services across numerous 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 increases will strengthen the quality and availability of care in critical areas.

For mental health care, reimbursement for additional mental health professionals at Federally Qualified Health Centers will lead to an increase in these facilities’ capacity and will help to provide necessary mental health services. Additionally, a new waiver program that provides telehealth services to individuals with developmental disabilities will provide convenient and easily accessible care options, which will reduce the need for trips to the emergency room.

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Gillespie law validates mental health referendums, ensures funding

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.

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