SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure that would ensure Illinois schools would allow articles of clothing that have cultural or religious significance for its students.

“We need to make sure future graduates and students have the opportunity to represent themselves the way they see fit,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Discrimination, of any kind, has no place in our schools.”

Students would be able to wear articles of clothing of cultural or religious significance in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would require clear notice to be given to consumers before they enter contracts that automatically renew.

“From streaming services to cell phone contracts, contracts are regularly renewed without clear consent from consumers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We must ensure consumers are aware of automatic renewal commitments before accepting the terms.”

Glowiak Hilton’s measure would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. It would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

SPRINGFIELD – A new measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID.

“Many Illinoisans receive scam calls every day,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “This measure prohibits spoof calling to ensure our residents can trust who is on the other end of the phone.”

Senate Bill 160 prohibits spoof calls – and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm that the individual wants to continue with the call. If the caller refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to host “#LovePurse” donation drives for local women in need.

“Love Purse gives survivors of domestic violence the products and care they need,” Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs) said. “This event gives our community the ability to rise up and help women with the challenges they often face alone.”

The “#LovePurse” movement collects new purses that are filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products, and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Members of the community are asked to purchase a purse and fill it with the requested products. Residents should take these products to the drop off locations throughout their communities.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With daylight saving time coming to an end this weekend, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is reminding households to also check and change their smoke detector batteries as needed.

“It’s time to fall back, and daylight saving also serves as an important reminder to make sure your smoke detectors are working,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This is a helpful habit to ensure your household is safe.”

If you find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. It’s also a great time to review your family’s fire escape plan.

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.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging high-school aged girls to apply to the 2022 Illinois Council on Women and Girls. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the legislative process firsthand.

“Young women today are growing up in a different world. It’s important for legislators to listen to the voices and concerns of these girls as we make our way forward in these new times,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This is a wonderful opportunity for high-schoolers who have a passion for civic engagement and want their voices to be heard.”

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To increase access to healthy, sustainable food options for families in DuPage County, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Fresh and affordable food is critical for every family, no matter where they call home,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. “I’m counting down the days until I can welcome the first community-owned grocery to DuPage County—Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard. This investment, funded in part by Rebuild Illinois, will help ensure families have access to healthy, sustainable food options.”

Prairie Food Co-Op has plans to specialize in local, sustainable and organic food options, produce, as well as personal care and conventional items. The grocery has a mission to provide healthy choices but also building a strong community.

According to the organization’s website, co-ops return close to 40% more of their revenue back to the community, as compared to conventional grocery stores.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $106 million in capital grants that were awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets across Illinois. The historic Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

A full list of grantees is available on DCEO’s website.