SPRINGFIELD – To fulfill the state’s commitment to invest in working families, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) expressed strong support for the proposed $1.8 billion tax relief plan to refund residents.

“Over recent years, fiscally responsible budgeting has eliminated state deficits and paid bill backlogs,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By providing direct relief to taxpayers, Illinois offering various ways to give financial support to students, working families and homeowners.”

The plan outlined Friday would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check.

To address inflation and the rising prices at the pump, the plan also suspends the 1% state grocery tax and the state’s portion of the gas tax increase for six months. Parents could see additional relief at the store from Aug. 5-Aug. 14 under a plan to also wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping.

“The pandemic has created numerous financial burdens,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this proposal, Illinois is working to relieve financial stress and pay it forward to the individuals who have kept our state operational during some of the toughest times.”

The comprehensive proposal also includes increased tax credits for teachers and volunteer first responders.

Senator Glowiak Hilton is working with her colleagues to advance on the proposal – Senate Bill 1150 – by the scheduled April 8 adjournment.

SPRINGFIELD – To improve accessibility and offer additional protections to workers, the Illinois Senate approved an initiative by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) to modernize the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

“Illinois’ OSHA protects all state and local government workers,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “To ensure employees have adequate working conditions, it’s critical for employers to have inspection details and citations as quickly as possible.”

In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Labor, Glowiak Hilton’s measure allows post-inspection notices and citations to be sent via email instead of solely USPS certified mail.

In addition, the proposal streamlines the process to match state and federal standards, declares intentional violations can be penalized per occurrence by up to $10,000 and expands discrimination provisions to maintain consistency with existing law.

House Bill 4604 passed the Senate Wednesday and moves to the governor for final consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – To recognize the agency’s 100 years of service to residents across the state, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) supported an initiative declaring April 2022 as Illinois State Police Centennial Month.

“For the last 100 years, the Illinois State Police have worked to improve integrity, service and pride in communities across the state,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By recognizing the agency’s centennial on April 1, 2022 and throughout the month, we can offer support to the thousands of brave men and women who have stepped up to assist, comfort and protect Illinois residents.”

Under the Public Works and Buildings Department, the Illinois State Police was created on April 1, 1922. The agency was initially responsible for enforcing road weight laws. At the beginning, there were only eight patrolmen, and their equipment included World War I uniforms, motorcycles and portable scales for weighing trucks.

Now, with leadership from Director Brendan Kelly, ISP operates 21 patrol districts, eight investigative zones, six forensic science laboratories, and five regional crime scene service centers. The agency works to promote public safety, assist local law enforcement departments, decrease roadway crashes and reduce crime across the state.

Senate Resolution 934 was adopted by the Senate Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – To offer stability to retailers, bring support to state prosecutors and promote statewide economic growth, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) joined officials with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to discuss a legislative proposal to curb Organized Retail Crime in Illinois at a press conference Tuesday.

“In recent months, high-profile smash-and-grab crimes have created local concerns for store owners, patrons and communities statewide,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “To make a collaborative effort at controlling the frequency, magnitude and severity of Organized Retail Crimes, this proposal addresses systemic concerns raised by prosecutors and retail advocacy groups to bring offenders to justice.”

In partnership with IRMA and the office of the attorney general, Glowiak Hilton’s measure defines Organized Retail Crime as a specific criminal charge and provides prosecutors with additional resources to hold perpetrators accountable. House Bill 1091 codifies ORC as the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to sell.

“The provisions of Senate Amendment #1 to House Bill 1091 should serve as a strong deterrent to retail theft and the resale of stolen merchandise, and even more important, it empowers our law enforcement officials to get these criminals off the street and held accountable for their actions,” said State Senator John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “The multi-jurisdictional approach to this legislation strips away any perceived shield these criminals think they may enjoy by acting in one particular location, as these organized operations ultimately result in stolen goods being transported and resold throughout the state.”

Under the proposal, prosecutors would have additional opportunities to bring charges against offenders regardless of where the crime takes place. For example, if the conspiracy, theft and selling occurred in different jurisdictions, each jurisdiction would have the ability to prosecute the entire crime. The Illinois Attorney General would also have the ability to prosecute via a statewide grand jury.

“The impact of organized retail crime reaches far and wide, leaving fewer tax dollars to fund important government services, threatening the safety of employees and customers and putting our communities at risk of further crime including illegal firearm purchases, human trafficking and even terrorism. Inaction and half measures will not suffice, lest we continue to surrender to criminals exploiting the current loopholes in our laws,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “Working in partnership with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, we have helped craft a comprehensive proposal that will bring about real change by investing in law enforcement, holding criminals responsible and making it tougher to resell stolen goods. On behalf of our state’s retailers, we thank Sen. Glowiak Hilton for her efforts to shepherd this legislation through the Senate along with her colleague Sen. John Curran, and look forward to working in a collaborative manner to curb these horrific crimes.”

To prevent stolen goods from being sold online, the measure also requires third-party sellers to verify users’ identity with bank account numbers or other information. Sellers who do not comply may be suspended.

“As organized retail theft becomes more prevalent across the country, Illinois is responsible for updating its laws to fight back against the uptick and prioritize public safety for its residents, workers and business community,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “By creating the Organized Retail Crime Act, our state has an opportunity to enact one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

House Bill 1091 awaits consideration by the Senate.