Students awarded scholarship to Harper College at Senator Gillespie’s bake-off event

L-R: Laz Lopez, District 214 interim superintendent; Bake-Off winners Adam Chamala, Jonathan Alvarado, Alejandro Pons Jurado and Samantha Rowan; and State Senator Ann Gillespie.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Students enrolled in District 214’s Culinary Arts ProStart Career Pathway rose to the challenge as they baked sweet and savory breads during State Senator Ann Gillespie’s second annual Great District 214 Culinary Competition Bake-Off on Thursday.

“I am so impressed with the talent and creativity students displayed this year,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Congratulations to our winners; I know you will be successful as you continue your culinary journey.”

Teams from Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows high schools competed in savory and sweet categories. The winning dishes, both from Elk Grove High School teams, were jalapeño popper monkey bread from Alejandro Pons Jurado and Jonathan Alvarado in the savory category, and caramel macchiato cream cheese muffins from Samantha Rowan and Adam Chamala in the sweet category. The students will each receive scholarship funds to attend Harper College.

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Gillespie moves to strengthen housing rights for immigrants

SPRINGFIELD – To further prevent discrimination while looking for a place to live, State Senator Ann Gillespie passed legislation out of the Senate on Thursday that prohibits the consideration of immigration status during a real estate transaction.

“Those looking to rent or purchase property in Illinois should not be treated differently because of their immigration status,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Putting these protections in place will promote fairness to ensure people are not unjustly denied housing.”

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Gillespie passes expanded coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices

SPRINGFIELD – People needing a prosthetic or orthotic device to perform certain physical activities may soon have an easier time obtaining the equipment they need, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Ann Gillespie.

“Proper prosthetic and orthotic devices can be life-changing,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “It is unacceptable that a lack of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs prevent people from getting the devices they need to be physically active.”

Current law requires accident and health insurance plans to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices when they are deemed medically necessary. Senate Bill 2195, which passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday, expands the definition of what is considered medically necessary to include physical activities like running, biking, swimming and weight lifting.

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Gillespie leads effort to guarantee legal counsel for foster youth

SPRINGFIELD — Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services often have several adults speaking on their behalf regarding what is in their best interest. To ensure youth have a say in their future and guaranteed legal representation, State Senator Ann Gillespie passed legislation out of the Senate on Friday.

“Youth in care are the experts when it comes to what they need; they should have a say in the decisions being made about their lives,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This legislation gives youth in care an attorney who will elevate their voice and advocate for their wishes.”

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