OAKBROOK TERRACE – In celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is highlighting the numerous benefits public parks and other natural spaces bring to communities.

“Local parks and other public spaces give residents, families and visitors of all ages a place to gather and enjoy being outdoors,” Glowiak Hilton said. “While recovering from the pandemic’s challenges, National Park and Recreation Month is a wonderful opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature safely.”

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks play an important role in maintaining quality of life in a community. Parks provide gathering places for members of a community to interact with each other, host public events and offer recreational programs.

Additionally, parks provide a public place where people can go to keep healthy and fit. A Penn State University study showed that the length of visits to parks has a connection with reductions in stress, lowered blood pressure, and perceived physical health.

Parks also provide an economic benefit to their communities. A review by Texas A&M University found that parks and open space raise nearby property values and increase revenue from tourism. Trees and other growth are also estimated to save cities money in environmental impacts and the effects of storms.

“Parks bring so much life to our communities,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage all residents to take an opportunity to appreciate the parks, trails and other outdoor spaces in our area.”

Learn more about local parks and public events by visiting the park district websites for Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Western Springs, Westmont and Wheaton.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure students experiencing homelessness are aware of available resources, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) has created a housing insecurity liaison position at all higher education institutions in Illinois.

“Students without permanent housing may not be aware of the resources available to them on campus and in their communities,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By creating a housing insecurity liaison, we are working to prevent homeless students from falling through the cracks by connecting them with aid.”

Glowiak Hilton’s law requires each institution to appoint a Housing and Opportunities Useful for Students' Excellence (HOUSE) liaison. Their responsibilities would include identifying appropriate services, understanding aid eligibility, tracking graduation and retention rates, reporting the number of students using homelessness resources, and developing a plan to provide access to on-campus housing between academic breaks to homeless students enrolled at the institution.

Under the law, higher education institutions would also be required to provide information about available services and assistance regarding homelessness in financial aid and admission packets, as well as on the institution's website.

“Stable housing is foundational to academic and social success,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Creating this position is one step toward combatting homelessness for students and ensuring they have access to better opportunities.”

Signed by the governor Friday, Senate Bill 190 is effective Aug. 1, 2022 and will begin with the 2022-2023 academic year.

SPRINGFIELD – As the state begins to recover from the pandemic, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D- Western Springs) urges Gov. JB Pritzker to sign legislation to help small businesses bounce back from the stresses of the last year.

“Our small businesses need our help easing the financial burdens the last year has put on them,” said Glowiak Hilton, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “Local governments should be able to make the decision to waive certain fees to allow these businesses to get back to a place of economic security.”

If signed, House Bill 2454 would create an option for local counties and municipalities to waive licensing, permitting, or registration fees for local businesses and services for businesses who demonstrate financial need due to the pandemic.

“Illinois’ hospitality sector alone saw a loss of 40% of jobs during the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I urge the governor to sign this measure as soon as possible in order to provide the support our local businesses need to get back to where they were.”

HB 2454 is currently awaiting further action by the governor.