We have officially moved our office to a new location in the district!

Our new address is:

171 W. Wing St. #202 Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005

Please feel free to stop by anytime!

WHO: State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights)

WHAT: Community Blood Drive

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 3-7 p.m.

WHERE: Willow Recreation Center, 3600 Lexington Dr., Hoffman Estates

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie is partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a community blood drive at Willow Recreation Center next Wednesday, Sept. 30.

“As we continue to face the nationwide shortage of blood and platelets, hospitals still need blood for elective surgeries and their supply is still just as vital,” Gillespie said. “I’m asking for individuals to help our medical workers on the front-line by making an appointment to give blood.”

Appointments are preferred, however walk-ins are welcome if social distancing allows. Blood donors should make an appointment online.

“Illinoisans have put their best feet forward and worked together to help one another since the beginning of this pandemic,” Gillespie said. “Participating in this blood drive is another way for people to make a difference in their community.”

For any questions, or concerns you can contact Senator Gillespie’s office at 847-749-1880, 217-782-4471 or at www.senatoranngillespie.org.

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 –  State Senator Ann Gillespie                    (D-Arlington Heights) is asking residents to participate in the 2020 Census and cautioning them about the consequences of failing to      fill it out before the deadline that is now just three weeks away.

Cook County is reporting a lower response rate compared to its previous rate in 2010, which could and most likely will affect everything from how congressional districts are drawn to how highway funds are allocated.

“This is serious. If we don’t come together as a community, we’ll all lose federal representation which directly effects the opportunities our communities are afforded,” Gillespie said.” This year the census has a new online option, it’s easier than before to fill out. When I filled out mine, it took me less than 10 minutes to complete."

The census is now safer, more secure, and just as confidential. Filling out the form is crucial as 2020 brings new congressional district maps, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will affect communities across Illinois for the next 10 years. Currently, 82.8% of Arlington Heights residents, 78.7% of Palatine residents and 79.6% of Mount Prospect residents have filled out the form this year. Although many of the communities in the 27th Illinois Senate District have a higher response rate than 2010, its still important to fill out your census if you haven’t done so, Gillespie said.

“Until there’s a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services are not getting every cent of the federal taxes they've paid,” Gillespie said. “This determines so much about what federal money comes to Illinois, so let's make sure we all count.”

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov, or by calling 844-330-2020.