ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address disparities in health outcomes further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation out of the Illinois Senate that would foster greater coordination and bolster services offered by hospitals in underserved communities.

“The only way to get us through this pandemic is to improve health outcomes in the communities most affected by the virus,” Gillespie said. “Transforming our health system to increase access and make quality care affordable will alleviate the generations-long disparities we see today.”

Read more: Gillespie votes for health care equity

SPRINGFIELD – To end the abuse of seclusion rooms in public schools, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed a measure in the Illinois Senate that would ban the use of prone restraint.

“With students beginning to return to physical classrooms, our children should not fear that their basic dignity will be stripped away,” Gillespie said. “I remain committed to ending the inhumane practice of prone restraint and the abuse of seclusion rooms.”

Read more: Gillespie moves to end abuse of seclusion rooms

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing that essential employees and first-responders face increased risk of COVID-19 infections, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) voted to extend a set of emergency provisions designed to streamline worker’s compensation.

“This pandemic has shown just how vulnerable working people are if they get sick on the job,” Gillespie said. “Essential workers and first-responders deserve a safety net, so they and their families are protected from the economic fallout of catching COVID-19.”

Read more: Gillespie moves to extend essential employee and first responder protections

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is collecting holiday cards for residents at Clearbrook and Little City community living centers.

Read more: Gillespie collecting holiday cards for Clearbrook, Little City residents