VILLA PARK— State Senator Tom Cullerton is kicking off his Summer Reading Book Club for children who live in the 23rd State Senate District.

Cullerton believes summer reading helps encourage children to develop a lifelong interest in books, maintain their reading skills during the summer months and keep their minds sharp.

“Reading through the summer months helps children stay engaged,” Cullerton said. “Our district is fortunate to have amazing community libraries. This summer reading book club will help urge our young people to take the time to visit our libraries. Let’s make reading a lifelong habit!”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books and return the form to Cullerton’s office by Aug. 2. Participants will be invited to a Pizza Party that will be announced at a later date.

To receive a book club form either click here to download and print the form or call (630) 903-6662 to request a copy by mail.

Cullerton urges residents to call his office with additional questions.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS – Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is partnering with the Glendale Heights Center for Seniors to host their annual Community Senior Fair on Wednesday, June 19 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Glendale Heights Sports Hub (250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights, IL).

This annual event provides local seniors with a one-stop shop for available senior resources.

“There are a wide variety of resources available to seniors, but not everyone is aware of them,” Cullerton said. “This annual event helps connect local residents with resources and information to help them learn how to keep our elders safe, informed and healthy.”

Local and state resources organizations are available to hand out information and answer questions. The event is open and free to the public.

Some services available:

Representatives from the Illinois State Treasurer’s I-Cash Program will be on hand to connect residents with unclaimed assets.
Receive information on Regional Transit Authority free ride and reduced fare cards, as well as other programs from the RTA.

DATE: Wednesday, June 19
TIME: noon to 2 p.m.
LOCATION: Glendale Heights Sports Hub (250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights, IL).

For more information, please call his full-time Villa Park Office at (630) 903-6662.

SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Tom Cullerton passed a measure to help eliminate the backlog of evidence sitting unchecked at state forensic labs.

Cullerton (D-Villa Park) passed House Joint Resolution 7, which directs the Illinois State Police to take all steps possible to comply with the Federal Rapid DNA Act of 2017.

“Forensic evidence can make all the difference in the outcome of a case,” Cullerton said. “This highly scientific process continues to become increasingly important in solving crimes. It is vital that the state speed up the process to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and effectively.”

The measure directs the Illinois State Police and its divisions to examine crime labs’ equipment, procedures, and staffing levels with the goal of identifying and reporting to the General Assembly on factors preventing them from compliance with federal rules on swiftly processing evidence.

The current backlog of biological evidence includes numerous cases of violent crimes, including murders, shootings, and criminal sexual assaults, that end up being delayed for long periods of time. It typically takes at least one year for biological evidence to be processed by the state crime labs.

In today's climate where police and prosecutors are increasingly scrutinized about their procedures, DNA evidence is crucial to the successful prosecution of criminal cases.

“One of the most important players in any type of testimony often isn't a person but the forensic data,” Cullerton said. “Our hope is this report will provide the General Assembly with the knowledge to help give the Illinois State Police the necessary tools to drastically improve turnaround and ensure they are in compliance with federal protocols.”

This bipartisan initiative is sponsored by State Representative David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) in the House. House Joint Resolution 7 passed the Senate with animous support.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents may soon have a clearer picture of the state’s finances, thanks to State Senator Tom Cullerton.

Cullerton passed House Bill 313, which requires the Illinois Comptroller to include the expenditure amounts and dates of expenditures by state agencies to vendors, the salaries of each state employee and graphical data whenever possible to the comptroller’s online website.

“Illinois taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent,” Cullerton said. “While this online database provides residents with an excellent resource, this legislation will expand the scope of the website to create an even clearer picture of the state’s finances.”

The website currently shows all of the state financial records and reports, with the same up-to-date numbers and information that are used by the Comptroller’s office in carrying out its Constitutional duties, including employee salaries. Cullerton urges Illinois residents to visit https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/financial-data/state-expenditures/employee-salary-database/ to inspect state revenues, expenses, contracts and salaries.

In addition to increasing transparency about individual employee salaries, the legislation will also extend to information about private-sector firms that seek contracts from the state.

“Our goal is to ensure this comprehensive financial database gives taxpayers an up-to-date and reliable method to inspect state revenues and expenditures to improve fiscal transparency in our state,” Cullerton said.

The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate and House with unanimous support and now heads to the governor’s desk for his approval.