OAK BROOK TERRACE – More than 50,000 students in Illinois were classified as homeless during the 2016-17 school year, according to data from the National Center for Homeless Education.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) is working to change that.

Glowiak’s House Bill 2983, which creates the Youth Homelessness Prevention Subcommittee under the Governor's Cabinet on Children and Youth, was signed into law on Friday

The subcommittee will review and make recommendations about the policies and procedures for agencies that handle youth leaving state custody, with the goal of ensuring housing stability for youths exiting the system.

“We need to find solutions to end homelessness among youth in our communities, and to provide stability and protection to children whose basic needs are not being met,” Glowiak said. “The State of Illinois has a responsibility to fight this crisis and provide our children housing security.”

According to the General Assembly’s findings, 1 out of 10 people between the ages of 18-25 are experiencing homelessness for some amount of time over a 12-month period. For those age 13-17, 1 in 30 experience a form of homelessness over a 12-month period.

Research shows that homeless children are 87 percent more likely to drop out of school, while those who drop out of high school are four-and-a-half times more likely to become homeless as adults.

“Stable housing is fundamental in ways so many of us take for granted,” Glowiak said. “It’s the basis for academic and social opportunities. My hope is this subcommittee will create a long-term path to help us reach our goal to eliminate homelessness among our children once and for all.”

The law goes into effect on January 1, 2020.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) expressed her thanks to the hundreds of local residents who participated in her Town Hall Tuesday Series.

The freshman senator said she learned a lot during the four town hall meetings in Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Hinsdale that began June 11.

“I’m proud to see civic involvement is a priority for residents across the 24th State Senate District,” Glowiak said. “We may not always agree on issues, but we did have productive and respectful conversations on policies that affect us all. I’m thankful to everyone who attended, shared their concerns and were engaged in the legislative process.”

The most recent town hall meeting Glowiak hosted was on Tuesday, July 9 at the Hinsdale Library. By the end of the standing room only event, more than 100 people managed to participate in the lively discussion.

Popular topics of discussion included reproductive legislation, election security, education priorities in the state budget and environmental concerns.

Glowiak, who voted against raising the mileage tax, increasing car registration fees and progressive tax rates, said she sympathizes with residents feeling overtaxed.

“Suburban families have been overtaxed for years,” Glowiak said. “The focus needs to shift to creating jobs and encouraging economic development in our communities. I pledge to continue to work to find ways that eliminate government waste and abuse in our budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and effectively in Springfield.”

To help solve the pension crisis, she sponsored Senate Bill 1810 which would eliminate the General Assembly Retirement System for future senators. Glowiak has declined to accept a pension.

Glowiak assures residents who were unable to attend that her office is always available to the residents of the 24th State Senate District.

Glowiak urges residents to stay connected to news in Springfield and the community by signing up for her e-newsletter list on her website www.SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com or following her on Facebook or Twitter.

“Part of being an elected official is listening to the concerns and answering the questions of the people I’m elected to represent,” Glowiak said. “If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to serve the needs of the 24th State Senate District.”

The district includes all or parts of Darien, Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westmont and Willowbrook.

OAKBROOK TERRACE– For more than a generation, young people have been discouraged from seeking blue collar jobs in favor of pursuing college degrees. State Senator Suzy Glowiak (D-Western Springs) passed a measure to help encourage more job seekers to pursue occupations that ensure safety and modernize Illinois’ infrastructure.

Glowiak championed the Blue Collar Jobs Act, which offers tax incentives to companies making significant capital improvements in Illinois based on the withholding tax paid to construction workers. The program went into effect on July 1, 2019.

"The Blue Collar Jobs Act will lift up middle class families while expanding Illinois' businesses," Glowiak said. "The key to growing our state's economy is creating new jobs, expanding economic opportunities and promoting a business climate that encourages companies to stay, expand and grow in our communities.”

The act creates four new tax credits; High Impact Business construction jobs credit, Enterprise Zone construction jobs credit, New Construction EDGE Credit and the River Edge construction jobs credit. The bipartisan program won the support of labor and business groups

The Blue Collar Jobs Act is similar to the EDGE Tax Credit program, with some of the following features:

• An incremental income tax withholding is offered to High Impact Businesses and businesses in Enterprise Zones and Rivers Edge Areas.
• The credit is larger if the jobs are provided in an underserved area (defined by the EDGE tax regulations).
• The credits to the business (employer) are equal to up to 50% (or in some instances, 75% if the project is in an underserved area) of income tax withheld from construction project contractor and subcontractor employees.

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OAKBROOK TERRACE – July is national Youth Preparedness Month, State Senator Suzy Glowiak is urging area residents to take some time to prepare young people for the emergencies and disasters that can happen at any time. 

“This month take the time to account for the unique needs of children,” Glowiak said. “In the unfortunate event there is a natural disaster or an emergency; children should know the steps to take to keep themselves and others safe.”

Youth preparedness programs teach young people the proper steps to remain safe during and after a disaster. Some programs even give young people a seat at the table when it comes to developing recovery plans.

Research has shown prepared children and young adults become positive influences, leaders and become more confident if they are mentally prepared.

“Youth preparedness programs are a great way to help future generations develop resilience and give young people a seat at the table,” Glowiak said.

Glowiak recommends residents visit www.ready.gov/get-involved to learn more.