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.

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.”

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.

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.