Gillespie: Working families, home health care providers and pensioners prioritized in state budget

SPRINGFIELD – Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) issued the following statement:

“This proposal makes critical investments in working families, public safety and home health care providers all while meeting our full pension commitment.

“The governor’s Family Relief Plan will save taxpayers an estimated $1 billion by freezing taxes on essentials like gas and groceries, offering property tax rebates to working families and other relief.

“Public safety initiatives were more than tripled in funding and make the largest single investment in our partners in law enforcement for officer training. The proposal builds on the public safety reforms we passed last year and will help create safer communities across Illinois.

“After two years of this public health crisis, home health care workers deserve a raise. Nearly $1.2 billion in state and federal funds are reserved for growing and preserving our health care workforce with an emphasis on home health care workers.

“Following nearly two decades of continual credit downgrades, this year’s budget fully backs our pension commitment with an additional $300 million contribution. The appropriations made in this year’s budget would deliver tangible relief to all who have struggled this year and make fiscally responsible decisions for our long-term financial health.”

Village of Palatine receives over $100,000 for broadband expansion

PALATINE – More than $100,000 is coming to Palatine to expand broadband access, thanks to efforts from State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Internet access has become increasingly important the past few years, so connecting our schools, workplaces and homes must be a priority,” said Gillespie. “Working from home and online schooling remains a challenge for people who lack quick, reliable access to broadband. Today, we change that for our neighbors in Palatine.”

The second round of Connect Illinois grant awardees include 14 different internet service providers, rural cooperatives and local governments – a diverse group of recipients representing every region of the state. The grant aims to expand Illinois’ broadband infrastructure to ensure that all residents have access to 21st century connectivity.

“Palatine is an area full of potential,” Gillespie said. “With the grant award, we can meet our educational and business needs as well as give high-speed internet access to our residents.

The Illinois Office of Broadband plans to make $350 million of funding available in a third round of grants, which will be awarded on a rolling basis through 2024 or until funds are depleted. The funding is made available by the bipartisan $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan.

Mount Prospect Public Library receives over $10,000 in pandemic relief funds

MOUNT PROSPECT – The Mount Prospect Public Library will receive over $10,000 in grants thanks to Secretary of State Jesse White, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced Thursday.

“Our neighbors have come to rely on local libraries even more during the pandemic,” Gillespie said. “These funds will equip the Mount Prospect Public Library with the tools they need to continue to meet the needs of our community.”

The Secretary of State allocated a total of $6 million to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

The Mount Prospect Public Library received a grant of $10,565. For a full list of libraries receiving a grant, click here.

Gillespie: REV Act invests in both job creators and working people

ROCKFORD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) joined Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials at Rock Valley College’s Advanced Technology Center to celebrate the signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act on Tuesday.

“The REV Act invests in both job creators and working people across Illinois to make us a nationwide leader in the electric vehicle industry,” Gillespie said. “Covering training costs for new hires and protecting living wages for current employees will provide a foundation for working people to build long-term careers in a growing industry.”

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