Glowiak Hilton votes against Prisoner Review Board appointee

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate voted against one of the governor’s picks to continue serving on the Prisoner Review Board — due to her approval of granting early prison release for criminals convicted of murdering police officers. Attributing to her vote against the appointment, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) released the following statement:

“When police officers lose their lives at the hands of criminals — their families, departments and communities suffer insurmountable, unjustifiable loss. By releasing these convicted criminals early from prison, our state is setting a dangerous precedent concerning the integrity of the criminal justice system. 

“Conscientious individuals must serve on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, and I urge the governor to choose accredited, diligent appointees.”

Glowiak Hilton commends more than $1.8 million awarded to local businesses

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Small businesses in Cook and DuPage counties across the 24th Senate District were awarded more than $1.8 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Businesses have begun moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The Back to Business grant program is vital to keeping doors open for thousands of small businesses across the state.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan.

So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Glowiak Hilton – DCEO has provided $200 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. With nearly $50 million left to go, more businesses will have the opportunity to get a share of the relief funds.

“Strong patronage and local support is critical to the health of our small business community,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m happy to see so many businesses across the region take advantage of this opportunity.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program or check the status of an existing application by logging into the portal.

Glowiak Hilton highlights new behavioral health education opportunities at the College of DuPage

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), the College of DuPage was awarded funding for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to create behavioral and mental health education opportunities for students.

“The behavioral and mental health industries depends on skilled, reliable workers,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By creating education opportunities for mental health professionals at the College of DuPage and throughout the state, Illinois is working to provide better quality care for individuals in recovery, give students hands-on experience and strengthen the workforce.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded $4 million in grants to 11 colleges and universities throughout the state to support the CRSS Success program. Through the program, students can experience working in mental health capacities, substance treatment services, mobile crisis teams and more.

Additionally, the program incentivizes post-secondary education for up to 600 students with experiences in mental health or substance use recovery. Students can receive funding for assistance with tuition, textbook costs, childcare, application fees and transportation.

“Affordability is a critical element for students exploring higher education programs,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By investing in students at Illinois universities, our state is working to support the young professionals most likely to contribute to our behavioral health workforce.”

A full list of colleges and universities offering the CRSS Success program is on the IDHS website.

Glowiak Hilton highlights nearly $2.2 million in grants awarded to local museums

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To improve facilities and develop new exhibits, three facilities in DuPage County were awarded funding through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grant Program with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Museums offer educational and cultural opportunities for communities to celebrate a collective heritage,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By investing in programs and infrastructure, Illinois is working to support our local keepers of history.”

The Public Museum Capital Grants Program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will distribute a total of $19.7 million in grants to 36 museums and support upgrades to facilities, new exhibits and other features.​

Grantees awarded nearly $2.2 million combined in the 24th Senate District include:

• Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Mayslake Peabody Estate – $750,000
• Elmhurst Art Museum, roofing and HVAC renewal – $750,000
• City of Elmhurst, community performance venue – $698,500

Investments for the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program are funded by Rebuild Illinois. More information about the program is available here.