ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is encouraging local businesses to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants to combat financial hardships.

“We’re in a time where thousands of small businesses are facing unprecedented economic uncertainty,” Gillespie said. “This program will help provide some stability and give out small businesses a helping hand.”

The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through these uncertain times and make sure they have the means to open safely in the coming months.

BIG funds can be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, and another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Wheeling businesses may qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible ZIP codes, click here.

During the program’s first round of funding in August, it granted more than $40 million to small businesses across Illinois in the form of $10,000 to $20,000 grants.

“The state’s continuing to do what’s necessary and what’s required to help the business community stay afloat,” Gillespie said. “I encourage any small business that is struggling to apply for relief as soon as applications go live.”

Applications open tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — In efforts to protect Illinois’ most vulnerable population and spare them a trip to the driver services facility, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is alerting drivers age 75 and older that their driver’s license expiration dates have been extended by one year.

“Extending the expiration date for older drivers will help our most at-risk population avoid or delay a visit to the driver services facility during this pandemic,” Gillespie said. “This will give these Illinoisans the opportunity to plan a visit when they are comfortable and safe without being penalized.”

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Drivers who are eligible should receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof of their qualification.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility need wear a face mask. Additionally, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and should be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Gillespie encourages drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

To find the closest driver services facility near you, visit cyberdriveillinois.com, click on the facility finder, and enter your ZIP code in the search bar.

WHO: State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights)
WHAT: Community Blood Drive
WHEN: 3-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020
WHERE: Heritage Park, 506 W. Victoria Ln., Arlington Heights, IL 60005

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie and State Rep. Mark Walker are partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a community blood drive at Heritage Park next Thursday, Aug. 6.

“We currently face a nationwide shortage of blood and platelets,” Gillespie said. “As hospitals reopen for elective surgeries, their blood supply is more vital than ever. Please help our front-line medical workers by making an appointment to give blood.”

"Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen our communities step up time and again for each other,” Walker said. “This blood drive is another way to do that. I'm proud to partner with Senator Gillespie to do what we can to help alleviate the critical blood shortage we are experiencing.”

Appointments are preferred, however walk-ins can be seen if social distancing allows. Blood donors should make an appointment online at bit.ly/BloodDrive-8-6-20.

CHICAGO – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) welcomed legislators and staff to tour two safety-net hospitals on Tuesday. Attendees included members of the bipartisan Legislative Medicaid Working Group and Senate leadership.

“Our working group and Senate leaders were able to see first-hand the important role of safety-net hospitals and the work they do for underserved communities,” Gillespie said. “The patients served by safety-net hospitals are largely uninsured or are covered by Medicaid or Medicare; as a result, safety-net hospitals often look beyond traditional health care to addressing social determinants of care to better serve their communities.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Potential tutors who are interested in assisting adults with literacy and English language skills have an opportunity to volunteer for a state program that has awarded $235,000 to local adult literacy programs, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) said.

“These programs help adults learn the language and reading skills needed to enter the workforce,” Gillespie said. “I encourage anyone needing help to connect with these programs so that they can have access to more employment opportunities in the future, and if you have the skills to help them, you should consider volunteering!”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

The Center, a local non-profit that assists students and young adults who may be at risk for academic failure, will receive a grant of $85,000 for its Adult Learning Resource Center. Township High School District 214 will receive two grants with a combined value of $150,000 for their Read to Learn program and the Catherine M. Lee Women’s and Children’s Center. The Women’s and Children’s Center last year provided English as a Second Language and family literacy for 50 women and 58 of their pre-school-aged children.

“These programs are focused on lifelong learning, and these grants will help us continue to ensure the gift of literacy for both children and adults,” said Superintendent Dr. David Schuler. “It is incredibly inspiring to see our students succeed, and it could not happen without support like this.”

People interested in volunteering as a tutor should contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Voters can now safely cast their ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a new elections package supported by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that was signed into law.

“All citizens have a right to participate in our democracy without fear,” Gillespie said. “Given the public health challenges we face, expanding our vote by mail program will allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights without compromising their health.”

Senate Bill 1863 will expand the state’s vote by mail program by sending any person who voted in the past two years an application for a ballot in their mailbox. Voters who aren’t sent an application in the mail will have the opportunity to register to vote by mail online. Election Day of this year will also be made a state holiday so schools can be used as polling places without putting students at increased risk for COVID-19. All provisions in this legislation apply to the 2020 General Election only.

Senate Bill 1863 was signed into law on Tuesday and is effective immediately.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) looks forward to the relief the budget will provide for residents struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic following the budget signing by the governor today.

“With the pandemic placing many people out of work, we have prioritized improving our unemployment system and funding economic assistance programs to get people through this crisis,” Gillespie said.

To help those who lost their income due to the pandemic, the budget allocates $396 million to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for rent and mortgage assistance grants. Lawmakers also approved an additional $60 million to address the challenges facing the state’s unemployment system. After months of backlog, the added funds will help the Department of Employment Security update its computer systems and hire more staff to process claims.

The budget also preserves services that are vital to protecting those who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. In-home senior services, like the Community Care Program, received a nearly $28 million increase in funds. The Home Services Program, which helps people with disabilities live independently, was increased by more than $110 million.

Senate Bill 264 takes effect July 1.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – With utility costs rising for working families as they transition to working and learning from home, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) encouraged residents to participate in the Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) ongoing Virtual Utility Bill Clinic to potentially save homeowners money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Shifting our workplaces from the office to our homes means in some cases shifting our costs home, too," Gillespie said. “Those in need of economic relief should send their bills to CUB to see where they can save.”

To participate, residents should send a copy of their most recent electric, natural gas and telecom bills to CUB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Attn: Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.” Participants can remove personal information, but their documents should include the account holder’s name.

A CUB specialist will evaluate the bill to determine if you are signed up with an alternative supplier or if you are paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let you know if you are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

Senator Gillespie encourages residents to take advantage of CUB’s free utility bill clinics so they can keep their utility usage and costs in check. For more information on the program, please visit www.citizensutilityboard.org.