Glowiak Hilton proposal strengthens protections for consumers

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To give consumers options in contracts set to automatically renew, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) introduced a measure to require companies to give a clear notification of the agreement’s terms before the consumer accepts.

“Automatic renewal contracts have become increasingly popular in recent years due to streaming services, retail, cell phone companies and more,” said Glowiak Hilton, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “To ensure consumers are aware of the automatic renewal commitment, this initiative requires companies to reiterate the contract before consumers accept its terms.”

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$3.3 million coming to local businesses to alleviate pandemic stress thanks to Senator Turner support

SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of local businesses in and around the district Senator Doris Turner represents were recently awarded approximately $3.3 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her support.

“These last two years have been a burden on all of us, especially those who own and operate small businesses that drive our local economies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These grants are giving businesses across our community a lifeline to get back on their feet.”

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Loughran Cappel invites residents to virtual educational workshop on fraud prevention

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will host a virtual Theft and Scams Prevention Workshop with the office of the Illinois comptroller Wednesday.

The hour-long workshop, which takes place Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 12 p.m., will inform residents of the best practices to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, scams and identity theft.

It will be livestreamed through State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s Facebook Page, at @SenatorMegLoughranCappel.

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$2 million coming to local businesses to alleviate pandemic stress thanks to Senator Morrison

HIGHWOOD – Thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s support of last year’s state budget, dozens of local businesses in the district she represents will receive more than $2 million in combined assistance to combat COVID-19-reated losses.

“Small business owners in Lake and Cook County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be challenging to bounce back from without help,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “While reopening has been beneficial to many businesses, they are still constantly facing financial obligations to keep their stores clean and employees protected.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Morrison – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

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