OAKBROOK TERRACE - A new state task force will focus on giving students the tools to make financially sound decisions thanks to State Senator Suzy Glowiak.

Glowiak supported House Bill 1581 which creates the College Student Credit Card Marketing and Debt Task Force, an eight-member task force that will seek to reduce the amount of credit card debt students face after graduating from higher education institutions in Illinois. It was signed into law on Friday.

“Higher education opens the doors of opportunity for young people,” Glowiak said. “It is vital that as a state we institute policies that allow students to graduate with loads of opportunity, not mountains of debt. They should not be preyed on by credit card companies.”

Opening credit cards can be a life-altering choice for students. While there are legitimate reasons a student may need a credit card, there are many downsides, Glowiak said.

“Tuition, fees and living expenses at Illinois colleges and universities are high enough,” Glowiak said. “It is our duty to find ways to lower the costs of obtaining a college education in Illinois. However, as we explore methods to save costs, we need to make sure we’re looking out for the financial well-being of these young adults.”

Studies have shown that from 2004 to 2008, the average college student card debt rose from $2,169 to $3,173. While making a choice about having a credit card as a student can be difficult, credit card marketing can push students to open credit cards for the wrong reasons.

Credit card companies use marketing strategies such as on-campus marketing, rewards, college affinity cards and college logos on credit cards as effective ploys to get students to register for credit cards.

“We need to equip our students to make smart decisions," Glowiak said. “The goal of this taskforce is to ensure young people are not taken advantage of by big corporations who are attempting to make a profit off of students’ financial inexperience.”

House Bill 1581 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support. It went into effect on Friday, June 28, 2019.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Residents now must be 21 years old to buy tobacco products in Illinois.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) advocated for the passage of “Tobacco 21” (House Bill 345), which raises the legal smoking age from 18 to 21, prohibiting the purchase of alternative nicotine products, electronic cigarettes and tobacco products by individuals under the age of 21. The law is now in effect.

“The dangers of smoking are well-known, but young adults still had access to tobacco products,” Glowiak said. “This new law will help stop addiction at an early age to help save lives.”

In Illinois, 34 jurisdictions have raised the age, including Chicago, Highland Park, Buffalo Grove, Evanston and Peoria. One of the key benefits to doing so have been documented decreases in the number of high schoolers who smoke. In Chicago, authorities recorded a drop from 13.6 percent in 2011 to 6 percent in 2017. Raising the age was cited as a key component of the decrease. Studies have found 90 percent of all adult smokers started when they were kids.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services it is estimated that each day approximately 2,100 youth and young adults who are occasional smokers become daily smokers.

“Stopping the cycle of addiction will protect our young adults from the numerous early and long-term negative effects of smoking such as early health disease, reductions in lung function, and growth and respiratory problems,” Glowiak said. “Raising the smoking age is a proven method to reduce smoking rates among our teens.”

This measure was supported by the DuPage County Health Department, American Lung Association in Illinois, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association along with many others.

LISLE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak is inviting seniors to her free Senior Fair in Lisle on Monday, July 15 at the Lisle Park District.

Glowiak (D-Western Springs) hopes area residents will take advantage of this helpful event to learn about resources available from local organizations and state agencies.

“Our goal is to connect local organizations, businesses and state agencies with seniors and caregivers to provide helpful resources and services,” Glowiak said. “This two-hour event serves as an opportunity for residents to gather and meet with these informational groups to exchange ideas and be educated on services they may not know are available.”

The event is free and open to the public.

“As a freshman senator, I look forward to meeting local residents, organizations and businesses across our district,” Glowiak said. “I urge you to stop by, say hi and meet these wonderful organizations that are working hard to provide our communities with much needed services.”

Date: Monday, July 15
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Lisle Park District (1925 Ohio St, Lisle)

For more information please call Glowiak’s office at (630) 785-3177.

GLEN ELLYN— Senator Suzy Glowiak is hosting her next Town Hall Tuesday in Glen Ellyn on July 2 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center.

This will be Glowiak’s third town hall meeting this summer.

"Part of being an elected official is listening to the concerns and answering the questions of the people I’m elected to represent,” Glowiak said. “We may not always agree, but I strive to host productive and respectful conversations to have meaningful discussions on policies that affect us all.”

Glowiak previously hosted town hall meetings in Elmhurst and Lombard. There will be an additional town hall Tuesday on July 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hinsdale Library (20 East Maple St., Hinsdale).

She recently completed her first legislative session in Springfield. The freshman Senator prioritized bipartisan legislation that protected the privacy of assault survivors, educated workers to help end human trafficking and fought youth homelessness in Illinois.

She’s sponsored Senate Bill 1810 which would eliminate the General Assembly Retirement System for future senators. Glowiak has declined to accept a pension.

“As legislators, it is our responsibility to be part of the solution,” Glowiak said.

Glowiak urges residents with questions or concerns to attend a town hall meeting or to call her office at (630) 785-3177 or visit www.SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com.