Local Legislators Respond to Area Residents at Town Halls

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – After an eventful session, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, and state Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, held town hall meetings to discuss important legislation passed this spring and to hear feedback from residents.

“I’m glad to say we had a very productive session in Springfield,” Walker said. “From the minimum wage increase to small business reforms and a fair tax plan, there’s a lot to inform our constituents about. It’s important that residents know the facts about issues impacting our state and communities.”

Held at the Mount Prospect Public Library on Monday and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on Wednesday, the End of Session Review town halls also included time for constituents to voice their questions and thoughts on the recent events in Springfield. Comments included questions about proposed progressive income tax rates, the Reproductive Health Act and the state’s balanced budget.

Asked about her thoughts on Monday’s town hall, local resident Yulia Bjekic said of the event, “I am very grateful to our state lawmakers Sen. Ann Gillespie and Rep. Mark Walker for taking the time to organize a series of town hall meetings to provide an end of session update to the constituents. I attended the Mount Prospect town hall and found it to be very comprehensive, informative and timely. I also greatly appreciated our lawmakers working together to keep their constituents informed and engaged.”