SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois Senate’s advancement of Judge Michael P. McCuskey as the next Legislative Inspector General, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) released the following statement:

“Having devoted his career to public service, Judge Michael McCuskey has a proven record for upholding the highest integrity and moral judgment. Ethical oversight is critical in the legislature, and it’s a relief the position will be filled by a qualified, life-long Illinois resident.”

SPRINGFIELD – To increase microchip production and attract companies to invest in Illinois, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to create a series of tax credits to support the semiconductor industry.

“The United States depends on microchip imports to fulfill local needs,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “With semiconductor supply chain and worker shortages intensified by the pandemic, we can use this opportunity to build the industry in Illinois and create job opportunities for residents.”

In partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Glowiak Hilton’s proposal creates the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act to provide a range of tax credits for semiconductor, microchip and component part manufacturers to support new employee training while also encourage companies to develop operations in underserved communities and energy transition areas.

Nationally, the semiconductor chip supply chain has been fragile for years and has hindered manufacturing across the U.S. For economic security, Glowiak Hilton’s measure incentivizes bringing chip manufacturing back to local production. 

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the need for a strong American manufacturing sector including strengthening supply chains. The MICRO Act will incentivize in-state production of semiconductors, microchips, and their component parts amid a nationwide shortage that is impacting the availability of goods ranging from automobiles to cell phones,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We appreciate the leadership of Sen. Glowiak Hilton who understands the importance of producing these critical microchips here at home because of the importance to our economy.”

Senate Bill 3917 passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday and moves for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue state licenses in four weeks.

“Healthcare workers, accountants, speech pathologists and a variety of others are ready to enter their respective industries but are unable to get started without a professional license from the state,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this initiative, I hope to expedite the time it takes IDFPR to process applications and allow residents to enter the work force sooner.”

As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Glowiak Hilton prioritizes legislation to benefit workers and support economic development throughout the state. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted.

“My office has heard concerns from our community about workers waiting months for licenses to be distributed,” Glowiak Hilton said. “While I appreciate the department’s efforts to reduce processing times with electronic renewals, I believe our state could improve the timeliness and let residents get to work.”

Senate Bill 670 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To improve convenience and accessibility for working people, state licenses from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation would be issued in four weeks under an initiative by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Health care workers, accountants and cosmetologists are ready to enter their respective industries but are unable to get started without a professional license from the state,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this initiative, I hope to expedite the time it takes IDFPR to process applications and allow residents to enter the work force sooner.”

As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Glowiak Hilton prioritizes legislation to benefit workers and support economic development throughout the state. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted.

“My office has heard concerns from our community about workers waiting six weeks or more for licenses to be distributed,” Glowiak Hilton said. “While I appreciate the department’s efforts to reduce processing times with electronic renewals, I believe our state could improve the timeliness and let residents get to work.”

Senate Bill 3002 awaits to be assigned to a committee.