ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Potential tutors who are interested in assisting adults with literacy and English language skills have an opportunity to volunteer for a state program that has awarded $235,000 to local adult literacy programs, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) said.

“These programs help adults learn the language and reading skills needed to enter the workforce,” Gillespie said. “I encourage anyone needing help to connect with these programs so that they can have access to more employment opportunities in the future, and if you have the skills to help them, you should consider volunteering!”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

The Center, a local non-profit that assists students and young adults who may be at risk for academic failure, will receive a grant of $85,000 for its Adult Learning Resource Center. Township High School District 214 will receive two grants with a combined value of $150,000 for their Read to Learn program and the Catherine M. Lee Women’s and Children’s Center. The Women’s and Children’s Center last year provided English as a Second Language and family literacy for 50 women and 58 of their pre-school-aged children.

“These programs are focused on lifelong learning, and these grants will help us continue to ensure the gift of literacy for both children and adults,” said Superintendent Dr. David Schuler. “It is incredibly inspiring to see our students succeed, and it could not happen without support like this.”

People interested in volunteering as a tutor should contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Voters can now safely cast their ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a new elections package supported by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that was signed into law.

“All citizens have a right to participate in our democracy without fear,” Gillespie said. “Given the public health challenges we face, expanding our vote by mail program will allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights without compromising their health.”

Senate Bill 1863 will expand the state’s vote by mail program by sending any person who voted in the past two years an application for a ballot in their mailbox. Voters who aren’t sent an application in the mail will have the opportunity to register to vote by mail online. Election Day of this year will also be made a state holiday so schools can be used as polling places without putting students at increased risk for COVID-19. All provisions in this legislation apply to the 2020 General Election only.

Senate Bill 1863 was signed into law on Tuesday and is effective immediately.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) looks forward to the relief the budget will provide for residents struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic following the budget signing by the governor today.

“With the pandemic placing many people out of work, we have prioritized improving our unemployment system and funding economic assistance programs to get people through this crisis,” Gillespie said.

To help those who lost their income due to the pandemic, the budget allocates $396 million to the Illinois Housing Development Authority for rent and mortgage assistance grants. Lawmakers also approved an additional $60 million to address the challenges facing the state’s unemployment system. After months of backlog, the added funds will help the Department of Employment Security update its computer systems and hire more staff to process claims.

The budget also preserves services that are vital to protecting those who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. In-home senior services, like the Community Care Program, received a nearly $28 million increase in funds. The Home Services Program, which helps people with disabilities live independently, was increased by more than $110 million.

Senate Bill 264 takes effect July 1.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – With utility costs rising for working families as they transition to working and learning from home, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) encouraged residents to participate in the Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) ongoing Virtual Utility Bill Clinic to potentially save homeowners money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Shifting our workplaces from the office to our homes means in some cases shifting our costs home, too," Gillespie said. “Those in need of economic relief should send their bills to CUB to see where they can save.”

To participate, residents should send a copy of their most recent electric, natural gas and telecom bills to CUB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Attn: Virtual Utility Bill Clinic.” Participants can remove personal information, but their documents should include the account holder’s name.

A CUB specialist will evaluate the bill to determine if you are signed up with an alternative supplier or if you are paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let you know if you are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

Senator Gillespie encourages residents to take advantage of CUB’s free utility bill clinics so they can keep their utility usage and costs in check. For more information on the program, please visit www.citizensutilityboard.org.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Seeing an increase in hate crimes and harassment committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement:

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 there has been a significant increase in crimes committed against the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It is on all of us to stand up against hate – especially in our own community.

“A welcoming state is more than just the law – it takes each and every one of us to actively call out discrimination when and where we see it. It takes courage to do this, but we must make it clear that hate is not welcome in our community. I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment of any kind to report it to the Attorney General.”

You can report incidents on the Illinois Attorney General’s website, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling 877-581-3692.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) will join members of business, education and labor in overseeing an employment grant program, she announced today.

As a member of the 21st Century Employment Grant Program Advisory Board, it will be Gillespie’s duty to help oversee the progress of grant recipients, track gainful-employment rates of participants and monitor industry trends to determine where employment gaps can be filled.

“Equipping people with the professional and technical skills for jobs in their area will revitalize regional industries and uplift thousands of working class people,” Gillespie said. “Adults seeking employment and young people looking for low-cost alternatives to higher education will now have opportunities to receive hands-on training in a variety of fields.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) celebrated the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) announcement that career and technical education (CTE) enrollment has increased.

Citing the first funding increase to CTE programs in over five years, ISBE announced that CTE enrollment has increased by nearly 5,000 students since 2016. Gillespie says it is vital to train more Illinois workers for in-demand, specialized jobs.

“Career and technical education programs offer an affordable alternative to higher education that train students with tangible, hands-on work skills,” Gillespie said. “Increased investments in workforce development will prepare young people for success and ensure that employers have an educated workforce with the skills necessary for their respective industries.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation’s five-year Highway Improvement Program includes major projects for U.S. Route 14 and Illinois Route 53.

U.S. Route 14 between Smith Rd. and Hicks Rd. will receive over $1.1 million for repaving and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities. Three other projects are outlined for U.S. Route 14 in the coming years, potentially including new crosswalks, bridge repair and new left turn lanes.

Illinois Route 53 will receive $1.1 million to repair the bridge near Sunset Park in Rolling Meadows. Three other projects are outlined for Illinois Route 53 in the coming years.

Palatine Rd. between Williams Dr. and Alison Dr. will receive $800,000 for general repairs.