SPRINGFIELD – With the price of insulin continuing to rise, countless Illinoisans have been forced to choose between putting food on their tables and purchasing medication that’s vital to their lives.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) along with her fellow lawmakers voted to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin.

“People living with diabetes don’t have the option of choosing whether or not they want to use insulin, and the fact that some do have to make that choice is unacceptable,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m proud to have voted for this legislation, which will help the lives of thousands of Illinoisans across the state.”

Senate Bill 667 will cap the out-of-pocket cost at $100 for a 30-day supply of the medication.

Nearly 30 million children and adults in this country are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Individuals with the lifelong condition of Type 1 diabetes, will on average spend $5,705 per year on prescription insulin alone.

“Individuals often have to start rationing the insulin they can afford, which can lead to further health complications and even more expensive health care costs in the future,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We should not be treating diabetes in emergency rooms because people cannot afford their medications.”

Between the years of 2002 and 2013, the out-of-pocket cost of prescription insulin has more than doubled, which has led to many diabetics rationing their insulin and sacrificing other daily needs to pay for the medication.

Senate Bill 667 would make Illinois only the second state in the nation to cap prescription insulin co-payments. The legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the House for consideration.

LOMBARD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is partnering with Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 and Auxiliary to collect donations to send packages to our brave heroes during the holiday season.

Glowiak Hilton commends the Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 and Auxiliary on their annual collection drive that helps send troops a little holiday cheer.

“I urge local residents to join us in donating supplies as a sign of our gratitude and appreciation to the servicemen and -women who put their lives on the line to protect our great nation,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Lombard VFW Lilac Post 5815 and Auxiliary to help show our gratitude and appreciation for our brave heroes this holiday season.”

Glowiak Hilton’s office will serve as a donation drop-off location until Dec. 2. Her office is located at 17W715 East Butterfield Road, Suite F in Oakbrook Terrace.

Donations sought include personal care items such as razors, shaving cream, tooth brushes, toothpaste, travel size shampoo and soap, crossword and word search books, stationary, feminine products, misc. non-perishable snacks, SlimJim’s, individual bags of peanuts, and other small amenities that are easy to transport and don’t spoil.

If residents have any questions they can reach out to Glowiak Hilton’s office at (630) 785-3177.

CLARENDON HILLS – Local residents are invited to participate in a mega recycling event on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Prospect Elementary School from 9 a.m. to noon.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is partnering with SCARCE, the Village of Clarendon Hills, along with different organizations within DuPage County for an exclusive recycling event.

"Many of our unwanted and lighted used items can find a second life at SCARCE," Glowiak Hilton said. "Responsible recycling of barometers, water filters, batteries, and paint can help keep these chemicals and plastics out of the natural environment, together we can make DuPage a little bit greener."

Residents can recycle barometers, bicycles and bike helmets, books, Brita and Pur water filters, CD’s and DVD’s (not cases), eye glasses, hearing aids, keys, mercury thermometers and thermostats, musical instruments, propane tanks, records and the SLA batteries found in cars, boats or sump pumps.

Glowiak Hilton’s office is also providing shredding services. To accommodate as many residents as possible, participants are limited three boxes per person. To speed up the process, please ensure documents are free of plastic, rubber bands, paperclips or any other non-paper materials.

Latex paint can be recycled for a fee: $2 per quart, $4 per gallon and $10 per 5-gallon bucket.

Business waste will not be accepted.

For more information, Glowiak Hilton urges residents to reach out to her office at (630) 785-3177, reach out on Facebook at State Senator Suzy Hilton Glowiak or her website www.SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – Area residents can lend a hand to help soldiers overseas stay in touch with loved ones.

State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is excited to announce her office’s partnership with Cell Phones For Soldiers, a nonprofit organization which provides free communication services to active duty military personnel and veterans.

“Donating cellphones is a small way for us all to show our support to our brave men and women overseas,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This program helps keep families and loved ones connected when our military men and women often need it the most. Help us lend a hand to our brave heroes.”

Glowiak Hilton has designated her office a permanent drop off location for residents.

Residents can donate newer, gently used cell phones for men and women in the military to use, or they can donate broken or outdated mobile phones to be recycled for parts, with the resulting funds used to purchase prepaid international calling cards.

Cell Phones For Soldiers was founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13, and has since provided more than 300 million minutes of free talk time to members of the military stationed around the world.

For more information, residents can contact the district office at (630) 785-3177.