OAKBROOK TERRACE – Small businesses in Cook and DuPage counties across the 24th Senate District were awarded more than $1.8 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Businesses have begun moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The Back to Business grant program is vital to keeping doors open for thousands of small businesses across the state.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan.

So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Glowiak Hilton – DCEO has provided $200 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. With nearly $50 million left to go, more businesses will have the opportunity to get a share of the relief funds.

“Strong patronage and local support is critical to the health of our small business community,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m happy to see so many businesses across the region take advantage of this opportunity.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program or check the status of an existing application by logging into the portal.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), the College of DuPage was awarded funding for the Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to create behavioral and mental health education opportunities for students.

“The behavioral and mental health industries depends on skilled, reliable workers,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By creating education opportunities for mental health professionals at the College of DuPage and throughout the state, Illinois is working to provide better quality care for individuals in recovery, give students hands-on experience and strengthen the workforce.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded $4 million in grants to 11 colleges and universities throughout the state to support the CRSS Success program. Through the program, students can experience working in mental health capacities, substance treatment services, mobile crisis teams and more.

Additionally, the program incentivizes post-secondary education for up to 600 students with experiences in mental health or substance use recovery. Students can receive funding for assistance with tuition, textbook costs, childcare, application fees and transportation.

“Affordability is a critical element for students exploring higher education programs,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By investing in students at Illinois universities, our state is working to support the young professionals most likely to contribute to our behavioral health workforce.”

A full list of colleges and universities offering the CRSS Success program is on the IDHS website.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To improve facilities and develop new exhibits, three facilities in DuPage County were awarded funding through the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grant Program with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Museums offer educational and cultural opportunities for communities to celebrate a collective heritage,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By investing in programs and infrastructure, Illinois is working to support our local keepers of history.”

The Public Museum Capital Grants Program through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will distribute a total of $19.7 million in grants to 36 museums and support upgrades to facilities, new exhibits and other features.​

Grantees awarded nearly $2.2 million combined in the 24th Senate District include:

• Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Mayslake Peabody Estate – $750,000
• Elmhurst Art Museum, roofing and HVAC renewal – $750,000
• City of Elmhurst, community performance venue – $698,500

Investments for the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program are funded by Rebuild Illinois. More information about the program is available here.

SPRINGFIELD – To offer support to workers, a group of pro-business Democratic lawmakers held a press conference Wednesday to advocate for an initiative to require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to expedite complete professional license applications.

“Health care workers, accountants, speech pathologists and a variety of others are eager, qualified and ready to enter their respective industries but are waiting months for professional licenses to be issued by the state,” said State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), chief Senate sponsor of Senate Bill 670. “Improving convenience, timeliness and accessibility for working people is a necessary step to building our economy and focusing efforts on recovery.”

Under the legislation, IDFPR is required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted.

“We have a shortage of trained experts right now—especially in the real estate, financial and health care fields, which the DFPR regulates,” said State Rep. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island), chief House sponsor. “Eliminating gratuitous licensing wait times will help fill that gap while cutting down on red tape. I’m happy to join my distinguished colleagues in helping make this legislation law.”

The proposal supports an effort to benefit workers and support economic development throughout the state for an array of industries.

“If you have all the qualifications and there are no discrepancies in your license, then this process shouldn’t keep you waiting months in order to practice your profession,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford).

Senate Bill 670 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and awaits further consideration by the House Health Care Licenses Committee.