SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton joined Native American advocates at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday to introduce an initiative to allow students to wear items of cultural significance at commencement ceremonies.

“High school graduation ceremonies mark a special moment in a student’s life. It’s the culmination of years of education, hard work and starting the line of adulthood,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Commencements are meant to honor students and their accomplishments, and this initiative will allow students to appropriately celebrate their family’s history.”

Senator Glowiak Hilton filed Senate Bill 4242 with support from the Native American Chamber of Commerce after former Evanston high school student Nimkii Curley was denied the opportunity to participate in his graduation ceremony for decorating his cap with culturally-significant items from his heritage.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – In recognition of First Responders Day on Oct. 28, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton encourages residents to take time this week to express gratitude toward emergency personnel.

“Individuals working to improve public safety in our communities heroically respond to calls of distress on a daily basis,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “To help ensure our communities are safe, first responders exemplify courage and strength. This week and every week, thank one you know personally or when you see one out around town.”

First Responders Day recognizes the work of firefighters, police officers, 911 dispatchers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics and their commitment to improving public safety in Illinois. Senator Glowiak Hilton reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“First responders have made tremendous sacrifices in order to serve and protect our communities,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton. “To show our appreciation, we must honor and express gratitude for their efforts.”

To support families of fallen first responders, Senator Glowiak Hilton is co-sponsoring a measure in the Senate to ensure line of duty death benefits are fully funded. The initiative is Senate Bill 4229 and can be discussed in the upcoming legislative session.

NAPERVILLE – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. The Health Equity Response Team of the DuPage County Health Department has been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senators Laura Ellman and Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic increased health disparities and inequalities in our most vulnerable communities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “It is important that community organizations such as the Health Equity and Response Team within DuPage County Public Health are empowered to help close the gap.”

Making up 14% of the DuPage County population the positive case rate for Latinx DuPage County residents was five times higher than non-Latinx residents. For Black DuPage County residents, the positive case rate was nearly two-and-a-half times higher than the positive case rate for white residents despite Black residents being 4.8% of the county population. Established in October 2020, HEART works with community agencies to reduce the disproportionate effects of COVID-19. HEART is one of the 18 organizations across Illinois awarded funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging students and their families to explore the state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Resources are available to make higher education more affordable to families,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “I’m hopeful this relief can offer support to students needing assistance.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced earlier this year, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.