SPRINGFIELD — After more than five years of dedicated service to residents of the 27th District, State Senator Ann Gillespie is stepping down from her role to become the new acting director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

“We have the chance to impact so many lives with what we do here,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I’m grateful the people of the 27th District sent me here, and I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of being an Illinois state senator.”

Gillespie, who has served in the Illinois General Assembly since 2019 and represented Chicago’s northwest suburbs, was recognized with a retirement resolution on Friday.

During her tenure in the Senate, Gillespie was a legislative leader for health care access and quality. She spearheaded efforts to expand affordable coverage in Illinois by establishing a state-based insurance marketplace aimed at reaching traditionally underinsured communities. Recognizing the importance of improving conditions in nursing homes across Illinois, Gillespie passed legislation to overhaul the state’s nursing home assessment and reimbursement methods.

SPRINGFIELD — For people purchasing a home, an upfront cash payment from a real estate agency in exchange for signing a contract seems harmless. What these homebuyers may not realize is this signed agreement can lead to added costs and barriers when they try to sell their home in the future. This type of predatory contract is what State Senator Ann Gillespie is working to prevent in Illinois.

“People deserve transparency and control when it comes to making decisions about large purchases,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Buying a house is an investment, and homeowners should not be deceived or steered toward contracts without understanding the full terms.”

Non-Titled Recorded Agreements for Personal Services, known as NTRAPS, are contracts between a service provider — such as a real estate firm — and a homeowner in which the homeowner is offered a small amount of money in exchange for signing an agreement for future services. These long-term agreements are recorded within property records, giving the service provider the right to list the property for future sale. Homeowners who later try to sell their property outside of this agreement or transfer the title can face costly penalties.

SPRINGFIELD — For seniors and those with limited mobility, an elevator outage is more than an inconvenience — it is a significant barrier that prevents them from participating in daily life. Recognizing the need for a balanced approach to safety and accessibility, State Senator Ann Gillespie advanced legislation that would allow elevators to remain operational during upgrades or repairs that address minor, non-safety-related deficiencies.

“Elevator safety is paramount, but a minor issue should not prevent someone from being able to access where they need to go,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This legislation reinstates a temporary certificate process — a solution that allows provisional elevator usage to ensure continued accessibility for those who need it.”

Senate Bill 3694 allows the State Fire Marshal to issue a temporary certificate permitting elevator usage during minor repairs or upgrades. These 30-day certificates would only be granted if the elevator does not pose a safety risk to those using or working on the elevator. For instance, if an elevator has a cosmetic imperfection or other minor deficiency that does not affect its functionality, the elevator could still operate while the issue is resolved.

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.”

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 Friday.

“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.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie has been chosen to join the 2023-24 cohort of the Milbank Fellows Program, a 10-month leadership program focused on public policy to improve health outcomes. This year’s class includes 24 legislative and executive branch leaders from around the country whose work demonstrates a commitment to bringing health equity to their communities.

“I am honored to join leaders from across the country who are also committed to improving health care outcomes within our communities,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “As a state senator with a background in health care, I have made it a priority to advance legislation addressing health care issues, including access and affordability. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I gain from this program to make a difference in the lives of the people I represent.”

SPRINGFIELD – More individuals needing prosthetic or orthotic devices will soon have them covered by insurance under a measure sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie that was signed into law Monday.

"With this legislation, we are ensuring that those who use prosthetic or orthotic devices can acquire the most appropriate models to enhance their overall health," said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). "Expanding what is covered by insurance will allow more individuals to get the devices they need to regain mobility and participate in the activities they enjoy.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie is urging agencies across the 27th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“An investment in our parks is an investment in our community, and we have seen the positive impact these grants have had on park districts within the 27th District,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I encourage local agencies to take advantage of the OSLAD program to improve and preserve outdoor spaces we all can enjoy.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.