Glowiak Hilton moves to renew tax credit for affordable housing donations

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage support of affordable housing projects, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to renew the state’s tax credit program and steadily increase benefits over time.

“The Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been instrumental in the development and preservation of affordable housing across the state over the last two decades,” Glowiak Hilton. “With its renewal, Illinois stays committed to the public and private partnerships needed to provide ongoing economic activity in communities.”

Each fiscal year, the state caps the amount for the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit (IAHTC) program, which is scheduled to sunset Dec. 31, 2021. Glowiak Hilton’s proposal would extend the sunset for five years and cap the credit amount at $32.85 million for the next two fiscal years. The cap would steadily increase by 5% each year after.

The IAHTC gives a 50-cent state income tax credit for every dollar contributed to a qualified affordable housing project. Donations must total at least $10,000, and project sponsors must be nonprofit organizations with a mission to construct or rehabilitate affordable housing.

“By renewing the IAHTC program, our state is working to ensure nonprofit sponsors have access to resources to rehabilitate buildings and construct affordable homes for renters and homebuyers,” Glowiak Hilton. “This credit supports a more flexible affordable housing approach that allows donors to support projects that meet community needs.”

House Bill 3107 passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.

Glowiak Hilton advances measure to secure aid for local businesses hurt by pandemic

SPRINGFIELD – As businesses struggle to recover from pandemic-related financial hardship, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) has advanced a measure out of the Senate Local Government Committee to help ease the burden.

“When making plans for economic recovery after the pandemic, it doesn’t make sense to take a one-size-fits-all approach,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To provide support where it’s needed most, this measure allows each local government to decide what is best for the community’s financial future.”

The proposal creates an option for counties and municipalities to waive licensing, permitting or registration fees for local businesses and services. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate financial need from the pandemic.

Counties and municipalities regulate businesses in a multitude of industries that may qualify, including liquor, construction, insurance, food service, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

“Every industry has faced challenges over the last year and a half,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This proposal allows governments to offer relief to any local business that demonstrates financial loss.”

House Bill 2454 passed the Senate Local Government Committee Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

Glowiak Hilton works to expand tuition affordability

SPRINGFIELD – To make tuition more affordable for working families, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) has advanced a measure allowing residents to deposit inheritance into qualified tuition programs.

“Expanding qualified tuition plans supports working families as they explore education goals with their students,” Glowiak Hilton. “By creating a simpler path to afford tuition, our state is actively working to encourage more Illinoisans to enroll in higher education.”

As written, the Probate Act of 1975 allows estates to be deposited if it’s practical and only consists of funds. Glowiak Hilton’s proposal expands current law to allow the estates of deceased family members to be deposited into qualified tuition programs without additional obstacles.

Qualified tuition programs allow contributors to support a beneficiary's higher education expenses. Earnings accumulate tax free while in the account.

“Access to higher education is critical for economic prosperity, but affordability is equally important,” Glowiak Hilton. “By allowing residents to use inheritance for higher education costs without barriers from the state, we hope to encourage more kids to think about attending college.”

House Bill 814 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.

Glowiak Hilton congratulates Illinois State Scholars in 24th District

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) commends the nearly 900 high school students in the 24th District who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“This prestigious award is a reflection of hard work, dedication and resilience throughout the pandemic, and I couldn’t be more proud of the students from our community who earned the honor,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With the support of their families, teachers and administrators, these students have shown an unwavering commitment to achievement despite the many challenges they’ve faced over the last year.”

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

The 24th District’s 896 Scholars include students from 11 area high schools: College Preparatory School of America, Glenbard East High School, Glenbard South High School, Glenbard West High School, Hinsdale Central High School, IC Catholic Prep, Lyons Township High School, Montini Catholic High School, Timothy Christian High School, Westmont High School and York Community High School.

State Scholars will receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“The college admissions process and qualifying for financial assistance is typically competitive, but this award will give our students an edge,” Glowiak Hilton added. “The Illinois State Scholar recognition rewards students for their outstanding efforts by providing an advantage in attending and affording the college of their choice.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.