Gillespie: Proposed budget invests in people, strengthens state

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“The governor’s proposal prioritizes crucial areas that strengthen our communities. Continued investments in education, career and technical education programs and economic development will equip our residents with the skills they need to succeed, while keeping people in our state, attracting new talent and fueling economic growth.

“As we prepare to roll out the state-based insurance marketplace, investments in staffing and outreach efforts, paired with funding for Get Covered Illinois, will allow us to effectively ramp up access to affordable health care. By strengthening health care options, bolstering mental health resources and uplifting our direct support professionals, we are investing in the well-being of our residents and the long-term vitality of our state. As chair of the Senate’s Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to continuing the progress we’ve made in these areas.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues as we build a budget that meets the needs of our communities and ensures a strong foundation for the future.”

Gillespie announces $600,000 grant awarded to local park district

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — The Arlington Heights Park District received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue its ongoing improvements to Recreation Park, State Senator Ann Gillespie announced.

“Recreation Park is one of our community’s oldest parks, serving as the site for family recreation and outdoor events for years,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will help the park district continue improvements, making it a more vibrant and accessible area for all to enjoy.”

The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, help communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded nearly $585 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

Nearly $55 million in grants were awarded to 111 local parks across Illinois. The Arlington Heights Park District was awarded $600,000 for the second phase of their Recreation Park project, which includes improvements to the ballfield, basketball court and pathways.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.

Gillespie welcomes $2.8 million grant for Arlington Heights Park District

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — With support from State Senator Ann Gillespie, the Arlington Heights Park District was awarded $2.8 million for renovations and improvements to park facilities.

“Local park districts play an important role in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This investment will further improve our park facilities, making them safe, accessible and enjoyable for years to come.”

The Park and Recreational Facility Construction grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with funding from the Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program. More than $28 million was awarded to local governments for the construction, renovation and improvements of buildings or land purchases for public recreational opportunities. The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded.

The Arlington Heights Park District will receive $2.8 million for building renovations, demolition of existing pools, the construction of a new Olympic-sized lap pool and children’s water play area, and site improvements to bring areas into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For more information about the PARC grant program, visit the IDNR website.

Gillespie announces over $38,000 in library grants for area school districts

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie announced seven school districts in the 27^th District have received more than $38,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“School libraries play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic and personal development,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will empower our schools to provide a diverse range of materials to better equip our youth for the future.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Gillespie’s district received a total of $38,486:

• Arlington Heights School District 25 - $4,099
• Mount Prospect School District 57 - $1,785
• Palatine Community Consolidated School District 15 - $8,978
• Prospect Heights School District 23 - $1,127
• River Trails School District 26 - $1,256
• Township High School District 211 - $10,748
• Township High School District 214 - $10,493

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