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.

DOWNERS GROVE – To help communities get vaccinated, a measure sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rates for immunizations and expand coverage was signed into law today.

“As communities prepare for a safe reopening this summer, making sure everyone is vaccinated is critical,” Gillespie said. “This measure ensures that families who use Medicaid have the same access to vaccines.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate voted to send the Fiscal Year 2022 budget to the governor:

“This is a responsible budget that prioritizes an equitable recovery for small businesses and working families.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to keep communities safe from gun violence, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed legislation in the Illinois Senate that would strengthen the Firearms Restraining Order Act on Monday.

“Families must have a course of action to protect themselves when a household member shouldn’t have a gun,” Gillespie said. “This measure gives our partners in law enforcement the tools they need to intervene before a tragedy can occur.”

Under current law family members, household members and law enforcement may obtain a civil order to temporarily remove firearms from people who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. If issued, the firearms restraining order would transfer any firearms, FOID card or concealed carry license to law enforcement for no more than six months. This legislation adds ammunition and firearm parts to the list of removeable items.

State Rep. Denyse Stoneback (D-Skokie) introduced the measure in the Illinois House.

SPRINGFIELD – To expand access to health care coverage, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) passed a Medicaid reform package in the Illinois Senate on Monday that adds coverage for a variety of services and provides more care to older Illinoisans.

“Expanding Medicaid coverage will result in better health outcomes for the most vulnerable,” Gillespie said. “This measure adds essential care options to the Medicaid program and will ensure that everyone has access to quality care.”