SPRINGFIELD – To ensure cost is not the deciding factor for residents thinking about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) introduced legislation requiring insurance companies to cover the full cost of the vaccination.

“Getting vaccinated is the right thing to do for the safety of your loved ones and neighbors,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Not being able to afford the COVID-19 vaccine should not stop anyone from receiving it.”

Under the proposal, the coverage requirement would apply to individual and group health insurance policies and managed care plans under Medicaid in effect since March 9, 2020. Companies would not be allowed to impose cost-sharing measures on patients.

“Some residents have chosen not to get the vaccine for health or personal reasons, but the cost should not be a deciding factor,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The sooner our state’s population is vaccinated, the sooner we can get our economy moving, build up our damaged industries and regain some sense of normalcy.”

House Bill 2406 awaits action by the Senate Insurance Committee.

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage support of affordable housing projects, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to renew the state’s tax credit program and steadily increase benefits over time.

“The Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been instrumental in the development and preservation of affordable housing across the state over the last two decades,” Glowiak Hilton. “With its renewal, Illinois stays committed to the public and private partnerships needed to provide ongoing economic activity in communities.”

Each fiscal year, the state caps the amount for the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit (IAHTC) program, which is scheduled to sunset Dec. 31, 2021. Glowiak Hilton’s proposal would extend the sunset for five years and cap the credit amount at $32.85 million for the next two fiscal years. The cap would steadily increase by 5% each year after.

The IAHTC gives a 50-cent state income tax credit for every dollar contributed to a qualified affordable housing project. Donations must total at least $10,000, and project sponsors must be nonprofit organizations with a mission to construct or rehabilitate affordable housing.

“By renewing the IAHTC program, our state is working to ensure nonprofit sponsors have access to resources to rehabilitate buildings and construct affordable homes for renters and homebuyers,” Glowiak Hilton. “This credit supports a more flexible affordable housing approach that allows donors to support projects that meet community needs.”

House Bill 3107 passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – As businesses struggle to recover from pandemic-related financial hardship, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) has advanced a measure out of the Senate Local Government Committee to help ease the burden.

“When making plans for economic recovery after the pandemic, it doesn’t make sense to take a one-size-fits-all approach,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To provide support where it’s needed most, this measure allows each local government to decide what is best for the community’s financial future.”

The proposal creates an option for counties and municipalities to waive licensing, permitting or registration fees for local businesses and services. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate financial need from the pandemic.

Counties and municipalities regulate businesses in a multitude of industries that may qualify, including liquor, construction, insurance, food service, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

“Every industry has faced challenges over the last year and a half,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This proposal allows governments to offer relief to any local business that demonstrates financial loss.”

House Bill 2454 passed the Senate Local Government Committee Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – To make tuition more affordable for working families, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) has advanced a measure allowing residents to deposit inheritance into qualified tuition programs.

“Expanding qualified tuition plans supports working families as they explore education goals with their students,” Glowiak Hilton. “By creating a simpler path to afford tuition, our state is actively working to encourage more Illinoisans to enroll in higher education.”

As written, the Probate Act of 1975 allows estates to be deposited if it’s practical and only consists of funds. Glowiak Hilton’s proposal expands current law to allow the estates of deceased family members to be deposited into qualified tuition programs without additional obstacles.

Qualified tuition programs allow contributors to support a beneficiary's higher education expenses. Earnings accumulate tax free while in the account.

“Access to higher education is critical for economic prosperity, but affordability is equally important,” Glowiak Hilton. “By allowing residents to use inheritance for higher education costs without barriers from the state, we hope to encourage more kids to think about attending college.”

House Bill 814 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.