SPRINGFIELD – Those enrolled in Medicaid will see more continuous coverage and expanded services thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Ann Gillespie that was signed into law on Friday.

“Working families need stability more than ever, especially when it comes to health care coverage,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Removing the bureaucratic burdens these families face will ensure they remain covered once enrolled.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Legislation to end surprise medical bills, sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie, was signed into law on Thursday.

“It’s shameful that someone receiving medical care would experience financial hardship as a result of surprise medical billing,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This new law will provide even more protection for consumers from exorbitant out-of-pocket healthcare costs, especially at a time when many families are struggling to pay other household bills.”

House Bill 4703 protects people covered under group and individual health plans from getting surprise medical bills after receiving most services from out-of-network providers. The law brings Illinois on par with the federal No Surprises Act, which establishes new protections against surprise medical bills.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie was appointed to the State Housing Task Force on Wednesday by Senate President Don Harmon.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to build on the work we’ve done for affordable housing the past few years,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “The lack of access to reasonably-priced units was exacerbated by the pandemic, and we must do all we can to build a more fair and equitable housing market for working families.”

The appointment furthers Senator Gillespie’s commitment to creating long-term solutions for affordable housing across the state. Last year Gillespie passed an affordable housing package that creates incentives in the housing market to create and rehabilitate affordable units, enforces the mandatory affordable housing plan for cities with more than 1,000 residents and changes the way the Cook County Assessor calculates the tax liability for affordable housing complexes.

The State Housing Task Force is led by the Illinois Housing Development Authority and consists of representatives from the Governor’s Office, Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the General Assembly, housing experts and several state agencies.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Seniors and people with a disability will soon see their vehicle registration fee significantly reduced thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Vehicle registration fees can be a financial burden on seniors with fixed incomes,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This new law will cut fees by more than half for our seniors and neighbors living with a disability.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A measure offered by State Senator Ann Gillespie to waive school fees for students experiencing homelessness was signed into law on Friday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success, and this law ensures that our most vulnerable students will have them.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Fifty businesses in the Northwest Suburbs were awarded a total of $1.9 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Our small business community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the past few years, many finding creative ways to keep their doors open during the pandemic,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after these unprecedented times.”

A total of $1.9 million was awarded to 50 businesses in the 27th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide continuous coverage and expand services for people enrolled in Medicaid, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to create an automatic renewal process for qualifying individuals.

“Working families need stability more than ever, especially when it comes to health care coverage,” Gillespie said. “Removing the bureaucratic burdens these families face will ensure they remain covered once enrolled.”

Under current law, individuals receiving Medicaid benefits must report changes in income during the 12 months following their approval or last redetermination. House Bill 4343 would remove this reporting requirement during that time, allowing for continuity of coverage for those whose work hours and income aren’t consistent each month. The legislation would also automatically re-enroll individuals with zero income.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to remove barriers to justice for survivors of sexual assault.

“Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” Gillespie said. “This measure removes a loophole that should never have existed and allows survivors to seek justice.”

House Bill 5441 clarifies the existing definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by adding that the survivor remains unable to consent if they voluntarily consumed an intoxicating substance. Under current interpretation, the offender must have provided the intoxicating substance to the survivor to be held responsible for a sexual assault.