OAKBROOK TERRACE – Seven additional small businesses in the 24th Senate District were awarded $350,000 in combined funding from the Back to Business grant program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“By offering support to some of our state’s hardest hit industries - including dining, hospitality, salons, fitness and the arts - we are lending a hand to a diverse, inclusive group of small business owners,” Glowiak Hilton said. “These grants will allow many DuPage County businesses retain employees, cover operating expenses and serve patrons effectively as our economy recovers from financial strains.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Sen. Glowiak Hilton – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Sen. Glowiak Hilton represents, 16 businesses in total were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open through the ongoing pandemic . Businesses ranged from hotels to an escape room and more.

“Small businesses have been resilient in these unpredictable times,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We can all help by prioritizing shopping small and utilizing the services our community has.”

Businesses will continue to be notified of their application status throughout the next few weeks until all the funds are exhausted. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To give consumers options in contracts set to automatically renew, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) introduced a measure to require companies to give a clear notification of the agreement’s terms before the consumer accepts.

“Automatic renewal contracts have become increasingly popular in recent years due to streaming services, retail, cell phone companies and more,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “To ensure consumers are aware of the automatic renewal commitment, this initiative requires companies to reiterate the contract before consumers accept its terms.”

These consumer protection initiatives make several updates to the state’s Automatic Contract Renewal Act. Current protections are improved by requiring companies to give written notice to consumers before a contract renews and explain what the terms will be, and allowing consumers to end contracts obtained online by visiting the website or by calling.

Businesses who offer a free trial period will also be required to give written notice to the consumer before the promotional period ends.

“Consumers deserve to know what’s in their contracts with large companies through clear communication,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We can offer protection from deceitful business practices by discussing and advancing measures that work to ensure consumers are aware of the contract’s terms and have the opportunity to cancel if they wish.”

Senate Bill 3447 awaits to be assigned to a committee.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) to provide aid to library districts for pandemic recovery, five local facilities will receive nearly $175,000 in state grants to enhance their services.

“Libraries are a vital community resource by providing residents with a safe, quiet space to read and learn,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This grant ensures libraries are equipped to serve students and individuals of all ages, especially individuals at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or have health concerns during the pandemic.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

The following libraries in the district Sen. Glowiak Hilton represents will receive funds:

• Benedictine University, Lisle: $9,775
• Butler School District, Oak Brook: $5,902
• Lombard Elementary School District 44: $128,476
• Oak Brook Public Library: $9,011
• Westmont Unit School: $19,840

Approximately $173,004 in funding was granted to libraries in the 24th Senate District. For a full list of libraries receiving a grant, click here.