MARYVILLE – State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe was recently confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Leading up to her swearing in, she released the following statement after resigning from the Illinois Senate Wednesday:

“Since joining the Senate in 2019, I’ve felt overwhelming support from my family, my colleagues in the General Assembly and the Metro East community—my heart is full of gratitude as I submit my resignation.

“I will cherish the partnerships and friendships that grew in my time in the Illinois Senate as we worked to advocate for change, update laws and improve our great state together. While serving the diverse communities of the 56th District was often challenging, I was overjoyed to see how we are united in our fight to enhance opportunities for families across the state.

“I am forever grateful to families of the 56th District for giving me the opportunity to serve, and I thank you all for your encouragement and thoughtfulness over the years. I love Illinois, and I look forward to continuing my work in public service in my new position.”

Senator Crowe submitted her formal resignation Wednesday, June 15 and was effective as of 10 a.m.

MARYVILLE – Under a new law by State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe, Downstate Article 3 Pension participants can transfer earned credit from two additional accounts.  

“Law enforcement officers sacrifice so much for our safety,” said Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “By allowing officers and other law enforcement personnel to transfer additional earned credit to their pension, we can offer our appreciation for their public service.”

Crowe’s law opens a window to allow active members of the Downstate Article 3 Pension Fund to transfer accrued, eligible credit from an Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund or State University Retirement System account. 

Eligible transfers from IMRF include services for performing duties as a sheriff's department employee, a full-time law enforcement officer for a forest preserve district or an administrative employee related to law enforcement. Further, transfers from SURS include service as a police officer.

The window to transfer from IMRF will be open from Jan. 1, 2023 until Sept. 30, 2023. Additionally, the window to transfer from SURS will be open from Jan. 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023.

“Law enforcement officers deserve credit for their public service,” Crowe said. “This law cuts red tape so officers and other police personnel receive the service credit they have earned.”

House Bill 4209 was signed into law Friday.

MARYVILLE – A new law in Illinois will assist law enforcement with investigating violent roadway crimes by expanding expressway camera technology to Madison and St. Clair counties. The new law passed with advocacy from State Senator Rachelle Crowe.

“To improve public safety in the Metro East, this law gives new tools to law enforcement to investigate reported roadway crimes such as gun violence or carjackings,” said Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “Illinois is also offering additional protections to motorists with the expressway camera expansion.”

Filed under House Bill 4481, the new law permits cameras along State highways in Madison, St. Clair and 20 other additional counties throughout Illinois. The state’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget includes $20 million to expand the technology statewide.

The Illinois State Police utilizes automated license plate readers for investigations and arrests on reported roadway crimes in the Chicagoland area, and the new Illinois law expands this technology to assist efforts across the state.

The law was signed Friday and is effective immediately.

MARYVILLE – To keep students engaged with books throughout the summer months, State Senator Rachelle Crowe is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 56th State Senate District.

“Reading during the summer is a fantastic way to keep kids’ minds active during the break from class,” said Crowe (D-Glen Carbon). “This program will help young readers prepare for the upcoming school year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students 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 Sen. Crowe’s office by Aug. 19. All students who complete the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and certificate.  

Read more: Crowe encourages local students to participate in summer book club