SPRINGFIELD – After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of figuring out how to get to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced a bill that would expand the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“No one should be left stranded after a traumatic experience,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This bill makes sure survivors can get to their next destination safely, without worrying about the cost.”

In Illinois, after an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can be used to cover costs of ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

SPRINGFIELD — At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits, often sold and marketed directly to consumers, are raising concerns about their reliability and the risks they pose to survivors seeking justice. State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is working to strengthen standards by ensuring evidence is collected by trained medical professionals.

“At-home collection kits may sound ideal for privacy reasons, but they don’t provide the same level of support or legal integrity as exams conducted by a medical professional,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “No one should be sold false hope during one of the most traumatic experiences in their life.”

At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits are marketed online as an alternative to medical forensic exams, but they lack the oversight and expertise needed for reliable evidence collection. In Illinois, professional exams not only address physical trauma but offer emotional support, with a trained crisis advocate explaining the survivor’s rights and options. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners conduct the exams, collect evidence according to established protocols and can testify in court if necessary.

OAKBROOK TERRACE — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced seven local school districts will receive state grants to purchase books, technology and other materials.

“Libraries unlock a world of creativity and new ideas,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This funding will help schools expand their collections with the latest books and technology, giving students the resources they need to learn and thrive.”

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, over $1 million in grant funding will support pathways to good-paying jobs in the trades industry throughout DuPage County.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs give students a head start on successful careers by providing quality experiences and skill-building opportunities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Organizations like SkillsUSA Illinois foster students’ interest in these in-demand fields, leading to a stronger workforce in our state.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The funding is intended to create more pathways for youth to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades.

In Glowiak Hilton’s district, the northeast region of the Illinois Foundation of SkillsUSA that covers DuPage and surrounding counties will receive $1.1 million to support pre-apprenticeship students.

View the full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state here.