- Category: Press Releases
SPRINGFIELD – To ensure students experiencing homelessness are aware of available resources, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) has created a housing insecurity liaison position at all higher education institutions in Illinois.
“Students without permanent housing may not be aware of the resources available to them on campus and in their communities,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By creating a housing insecurity liaison, we are working to prevent homeless students from falling through the cracks by connecting them with aid.”
Glowiak Hilton’s law requires each institution to appoint a Housing and Opportunities Useful for Students' Excellence (HOUSE) liaison. Their responsibilities would include identifying appropriate services, understanding aid eligibility, tracking graduation and retention rates, reporting the number of students using homelessness resources, and developing a plan to provide access to on-campus housing between academic breaks to homeless students enrolled at the institution.
Under the law, higher education institutions would also be required to provide information about available services and assistance regarding homelessness in financial aid and admission packets, as well as on the institution's website.
“Stable housing is foundational to academic and social success,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Creating this position is one step toward combatting homelessness for students and ensuring they have access to better opportunities.”
Signed by the governor Friday, Senate Bill 190 is effective Aug. 1, 2022 and will begin with the 2022-2023 academic year.
- Category: Press Releases
SPRINGFIELD – As the state begins to recover from the pandemic, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D- Western Springs) urges Gov. JB Pritzker to sign legislation to help small businesses bounce back from the stresses of the last year.
“Our small businesses need our help easing the financial burdens the last year has put on them,” said Glowiak Hilton, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “Local governments should be able to make the decision to waive certain fees to allow these businesses to get back to a place of economic security.”
If signed, House Bill 2454 would create an option for local counties and municipalities to waive licensing, permitting, or registration fees for local businesses and services for businesses who demonstrate financial need due to the pandemic.
“Illinois’ hospitality sector alone saw a loss of 40% of jobs during the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I urge the governor to sign this measure as soon as possible in order to provide the support our local businesses need to get back to where they were.”
HB 2454 is currently awaiting further action by the governor.
- Category: Press Releases
OAKBROOK TERRACE – To provide residents with safe local travel and recreation options, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) announced a state investment to construct a bike and pedestrian path in Elmhurst.
“Bike paths provide a safe public space for residents, families and visitors to be physically active and enjoy the outdoors,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This major investment will allow residents to enjoy even more opportunities for safe transportation and recreation, as well as attract visitors to our area.”
The notable project in the 24th District includes $198,000 to build a pedestrian overpass above Route 83 in Elmhurst.
Rebuild Illinois is awarding $105.7 million to 99 projects statewide, including recreational paths and trails, through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. A complete list can be found on IDOT’s website.