CHICAGO – Standing with essential workers, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) commended a labor package signed into law on Friday that will increase first responder benefits, protect retail employees and expand collective bargaining rights.

“Essential employees and first responders have been on the front lines fighting for us, and we need to look out for them,” Gillespie said. “A workplace free from harassment, with livable wages and time to recuperate from injury are all rights that every employee should have.”

Read more: New law protects essential employees, first responders

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To assist students wanting to become future educators, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced Northwest Suburban schools will receive a grant to develop Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focusing on teaching.

“CTE programs aren’t just for those entering the trades but can prepare students for careers in a variety of fields,” Gillespie said. “There is no better investment than developing the professional skills of our future generation of educators.”

Read more: Gillespie: CTE programs not just for trades

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.”

Read more: Gillespie brings Medicaid Working Group to safety-net hospitals

CHICAGO – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) joined Gov. Pritzker to announce a $4.7 million expansion of the Illinois Apprenticeship Program. This expansion makes a record $20 million investment in the program and will serve 17,000 participants this year.

“Apprenticeships are a proven tool for workforce development and provide new workers an opportunity for a long-term career path,” Gillespie said. “Today, Illinois reinforces our commitment to investing in apprenticeships and the options they provide for both employers and youth. These options are even more critical as we work our way through the far-reaching economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Read more: Gillespie, Pritzker announce investment to support 17,000 apprentices in 2020