Sen. Suzy Glowiak lauds school funding, raises concerns on pension obligations

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his first budget on Wednesday in Springfield.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) is happy to hear proposals for a $375 million increase in K-12 education funding to ensure all schools in DuPage and Cook counties see more state dollars in their classrooms.

“Our schools are finally being funded the right way to help ensure our children receive outstanding educational opportunities without raising property tax bills,” Glowiak said. “I’m happy to see that the state is finally paying its fair share.”

However, the freshman senator has numerous questions about the governor’s pension funding proposals that would restructure pension payments and delay the target date that the state’s pension system is 90 percent funded from 2045 to 2052.

Glowiak, who declined a General Assembly pension herself, does not feel comfortable supporting proposals that will delay vital pension payments.

“Too many governors for too long have kicked the can down the road on our state’s pension obligations,” Glowiak said. “I need further details to decide if I can support a proposal that delays the year we fully fund our pension payments.”

The budget proposal also included plans to close loopholes for big corporate businesses such as Walmart to help the state find $94 million in savings over the next year.

“The State of Illinois is breaking away from President Trump’s big tax breaks for massive corporations,” Glowiak said. “We need to focus on finding savings and helping our local businesses prosper in our communities, not handing big conglomerates tax breaks on the taxpayer’s dime.”

Sen. Suzy Glowiak works to end waste and abuse in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) is working to end waste in Springfield.

Glowiak, signed on as a sponsor of legislation that would prohibit appointed short-term legislators from receiving taxpayer-funded stipends.

“This measure will protect taxpayer dollars from being misused and wasted on political insider deals,” Glowiak said. “State dollars should be going toward ensuring our children receive the best education possible, lowering property taxes and funding for programs such as opioid addiction prevention.”

Senate Bill 112, changes the General Assembly Compensation Act so that any member of the General Assembly who is appointed to the House of Representatives or Senate after May 31 of an even-numbered year may not receive additional salary for service as a chairperson or minority spokesperson.

“We need to work in a bipartisan manner to root out waste and abuse at every level of government,” Glowiak said. “I will not sit by idly as political insiders take advantage of taxpayers.”

Senate Bill 112, was filed after news of a recent local appointment made to fill a short-term gap for an outgoing senator not only received base pay, but also an extra stipend to serve ona committee that had no meetings scheduled.

Glowiak hopes there will be bipartisan support for this measure.

Bipartisan group of legislators host Lisle Town Hall Meeting

LISLE— In an effort to bring state government to local residents, Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) is joining Lisle legislators for her first town hall meeting next week.

“I’m looking forward to listening to your questions and concerns,” Glowiak said. “Government works best when there is constant and open communication between legislators and local residents.”

Glowiak will be joined by State Senators John Curran and Laura Ellman and State Representatives Terra Costa Howard and Anne Stava-Murray for the town hall on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Lisle Village Hall (925 Burlington Ave., Lisle).

The meeting is free and open to the public.

"It's important to get feedback from constituents and I'm excited for the chance to talk face to face and keep the conversation going,” said Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove).

Sen. Suzy Glowiak celebrates Western Springs being named best place to live in Illinois

Western Springs is a great place to live, raise a family and work

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) is proud to announce Western Springs, Illinois was named the top place to live in Illinois.

“Western Springs is a great place to live, raise a family and work,” Glowiak said. “I’m excited that Western Springs was recognized for its remarkable qualities.”

HomeSnacks ranked cities by a number of criteria from one to 327, with one being the best. The criteria considered included median home values, median incomes, unemployment rates, average commute time, crime, education levels and more.

HomeSnacks recognized Western Springs for its “impressive history” and “low unemployment rates and high incomes.”

Western Springs was not the only city recognized in 24th State Senate District. Hinsdale received the number seven ranking and was applauded for its low crime rates and the 20-minute train ride to Chicago, which means a short commute for many residents.

“Communities across the 24th Senate District provide area residents with a strong economy, affordable housing options and solid education systems,” Glowiak said. “Our district is in a perfect geographic location. We enjoy affordable living and an excellent quality of life with many of the advantages of big city living.”

Glowiak represents the 24th State Senate District, which includes all or parts of Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Westmont and Willowbrook. For more information visit www.SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com.