PALATINE – More than $100,000 is coming to Palatine to expand broadband access, thanks to efforts from State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

“Internet access has become increasingly important the past few years, so connecting our schools, workplaces and homes must be a priority,” said Gillespie. “Working from home and online schooling remains a challenge for people who lack quick, reliable access to broadband. Today, we change that for our neighbors in Palatine.” 

ROCKFORD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) joined Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials at Rock Valley College’s Advanced Technology Center to celebrate the signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act on Tuesday.

“The REV Act invests in both job creators and working people across Illinois to make us a nationwide leader in the electric vehicle industry,” Gillespie said. “Covering training costs for new hires and protecting living wages for current employees will provide a foundation for working people to build long-term careers in a growing industry.”

The REV Act provides financial incentives to electric vehicle, parts and power supply manufacturers. To qualify for tax credits on income tax withholdings, manufacturers must pay their employees at least 120% of the average wage paid in the county where the project is located. The legislation includes expanded tax credits for employers in underserved and energy transition areas.

Illinois currently employs 36,000 workers in the auto production industry, ranking 9th in the nation. House Bill 1769 is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ first comprehensive ethics reform package in over a decade, introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights), is one step closer to becoming law as the Illinois House concurred with the governor’s amendatory veto today.

“This measure offers bipartisan solutions to target some of the worst abuses of power in our state’s history,” Gillespie said. “Our plan closes many of the loopholes that have allowed bad actors to game the system for decades.”

SPRINGFIELD – To keep families safe from gun violence, a measure strengthening the Firearms Restraining Order Act sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was signed into law today.

“Strengthening red flag laws will keep families safe when a household member shouldn’t have a gun,” Gillespie said. “This new law gives our partners in law enforcement the tools they need to intervene before a tragedy can occur.”

SPRINGFIELD – A ban on prone restraint and guidelines on use of seclusion rooms in schools championed by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was signed into law today.

“This law makes a commitment to our most vulnerable students that their school will be a safe learning environment,” Gillespie said. “No child should be subject to abuse at school.”

After an investigation revealed that seclusion rooms are often used as a punishment for refusing to do classwork, swearing and otherwise non-threatening behavior, Senator Gillespie introduced legislation to address these abuses.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To ensure that tax increment financing (TIF) dollars are used responsibly, a plan introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that expands required reporting by municipalities to the Illinois Comptroller was signed into law.

“Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how TIF developments could affect their property taxes,” Gillespie said. “Our plan will keep developers and local governments honest, and create a transparent process that shows residents whether goals are being met.”

TIF districts are a tool used by municipal governments to stimulate economic development in targeted areas. The new law requires more consistent, measurable data on the success of the TIF project by expanding what local governments must report annually to the Comptroller’s Office. Expanded reporting requirements include projected and actual job creation, and projected and actual increment. The legislation also requires the report to be verified by a neutral third party.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) are inviting residents to join them for a legislative town hall forum on Thursday, July 22.

The community forum will take place at 7 p.m. at the School District 25 building, 1200 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. All residents are welcome to attend to learn about the latest from Springfield and engage in a civil discussion on legislative matters.

Senator Gillespie will hold an additional town hall on Tuesday, July 27 at the Palatine Public Library at 7 p.m. Both town halls will be livestreamed on Facebook.

For more information on these events, contact Senator Gillespie’s office at 847-749-1880 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Rep. Walker’s office at 847-749-1137 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To encourage students to read over summer break, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is hosting a Summer Book Club in partnership with local libraries.

“Students of all ages can avoid summer learning loss by engaging with a series of good books,” Gillespie said. “This program will reward young readers with the best our local libraries and parks have to offer this summer.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during summer break, record the names of the books and return a signed form to Senator Gillespie’s district office by Aug. 11. Forms can be downloaded at www.SenatorAnnGillespie.org or picked up at the following locations:

• 171 W. Wing St. #202, Arlington Heights
• Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine
• Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights
• Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect

Students who complete the Summer Book Club will be awarded either a day pass to a local park district pool or a gift card for ice cream at Kilwins, depending on availability and preference.