WESTERN SPRINGS – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and small businesses are faced with extended financial hardships, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is encouraging business owners to apply for assistance through the latest round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Far more than large companies, small businesses in our community have felt the effects of closures and fewer people venturing out,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To offer some help to these unique local enterprises, Illinois is releasing the next round grants.”

The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and other businesses that face more challenges in the interest of maintaining health and safety restrictions during the pandemic.

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks.

During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. Businesses in the 24th Senate District were awarded grants totaling $550,000.

“Small businesses play a vital, unique role in our communities, and I was delighted to see several local organizations make use of assistance from the program,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage any other affected businesses to apply for funding as soon as it becomes available.”

Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

WESTERN SPRINGS – To help keep Illinois’ senior residents from waiting in line at the DMV, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) reminded drivers age 75 and older that their driver’s license expiration dates have been extended by one year.

“The one-year extension for older drivers is the latest action to help seniors avoid or delay a visit to the DMV during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This extension will give our elder population the option to plan a visit when they are comfortable, with no penalty.”

To qualify for the extension, drivers must be 75 years of age or older and have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility must wear a face mask. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Glowiak Hilton continues to encourage drivers to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

SPRINGFIELD – With the price of insulin continuing to rise, countless Illinoisans have been forced to choose between putting food on their tables and purchasing medication that’s vital to their lives.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) along with her fellow lawmakers voted to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin.

“People living with diabetes don’t have the option of choosing whether or not they want to use insulin, and the fact that some do have to make that choice is unacceptable,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m proud to have voted for this legislation, which will help the lives of thousands of Illinoisans across the state.”

Senate Bill 667 will cap the out-of-pocket cost at $100 for a 30-day supply of the medication.

Nearly 30 million children and adults in this country are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Individuals with the lifelong condition of Type 1 diabetes, will on average spend $5,705 per year on prescription insulin alone.

“Individuals often have to start rationing the insulin they can afford, which can lead to further health complications and even more expensive health care costs in the future,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We should not be treating diabetes in emergency rooms because people cannot afford their medications.”

Between the years of 2002 and 2013, the out-of-pocket cost of prescription insulin has more than doubled, which has led to many diabetics rationing their insulin and sacrificing other daily needs to pay for the medication.

Senate Bill 667 would make Illinois only the second state in the nation to cap prescription insulin co-payments. The legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the House for consideration.

LOMBARD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is partnering with Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 and Auxiliary to collect donations to send packages to our brave heroes during the holiday season.

Glowiak Hilton commends the Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 and Auxiliary on their annual collection drive that helps send troops a little holiday cheer.

“I urge local residents to join us in donating supplies as a sign of our gratitude and appreciation to the servicemen and -women who put their lives on the line to protect our great nation,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 and Auxiliary to help show our gratitude and appreciation for our brave heroes this holiday season.”

Glowiak Hilton’s office will serve as a donation drop-off location until Dec. 2. Her office is located at 17W715 East Butterfield Road, Suite F in Oakbrook Terrace.

Donations sought include personal care items such as razors, shaving cream, tooth brushes, toothpaste, travel size shampoo and soap, crossword and word search books, stationary, feminine products, misc. non-perishable snacks, SlimJim’s, individual bags of peanuts, and other small amenities that are easy to transport and don’t spoil.

If residents have any questions they can reach out to Glowiak Hilton’s office at (630) 785-3177.