ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To keep students engaged with learning throughout the summer, State Senator Ann Gillespie launched a Summer Book Club for children and young people who live in the 27th State Senate District.

“Summer reading is a fantastic way to keep kids’ minds active during the summer months,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This program will help them make reading into a habit and prepare kids for the upcoming school year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students in up to 8th grade to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Gillespie’s office by Aug. 19. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card to Kilwins’.

Click here to download and print the form. Parents can also call Gillespie’s office at 847-749-1880 to request a copy by mail.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – With carjackings and shootings on the rise on Illinois’ expressways, State Senator Ann Gillespie supported two new laws to help law enforcement crack down on these crimes.

“Providing more units of law enforcement with access to these cameras will help them coordinate more effectively to stop crime on the expressways,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Drivers should feel safer on the roads knowing that our partners in law enforcement are better equipped to handle these crimes.”

Read more: Gillespie: Expressway cameras to help curb violence on roads

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address rising vehicle and parts thefts in Illinois, State Senator Ann Gillespie sponsored two measures to protect drivers that were signed into law last week.

“Car thefts are becoming more frequent and sophisticated with advances in technology,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “We must provide the legal remedies that law enforcement need to take down these increasingly organized rings of car thieves.”

Read more: Gillespie takes on rising car thefts

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A measure to assist social workers with paying off their degrees, introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie, was signed into law on Friday.

“Incentivizing students of social work to start their careers in Illinois will help our local governments recruit the qualified professionals they need, while mitigating the student debt crisis,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

Senate Bill 3761 expands the School Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program to include social workers employed by an Illinois municipality. Currently, the program offers up to $6,500 in student loan assistance to borrowers who have been employed at a school for at least one year.

The new law builds on previous laws passed by Senator Gillespie and gives priority to individuals underrepresented in the social work field.

Senate Bills 3761 was signed into law on Friday and is effective immediately.