Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – With state resources stretched thin, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) voted to freeze her pay for the upcoming year so that taxpayer dollars can go to help struggling families.

Under state law, legislators receive an automatic cost of living adjustment each year. However, Senator Glowiak Hilton voted for a budget that provides $0 to pay for these automatic raises.

“During these unprecedented times all our state funds need to go toward helping those affected by the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I am proud to freeze my salary. That money will be better spent helping provide relief to our small business community and getting people safely back to work.”

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who processes legislator’s pay checks, confirmed Sunday that the budget the General Assembly recently passed does not contain any pay raises for legislators.

WESTERN SPRINGS – To support residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their families, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) highlighted resources available from the Alzheimer’s Association.

“No one should face Alzheimer’s alone,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help families and caregivers during these unprecedented times.”

In addition to their standard help and support resources, the Alzheimer’s Association has published COVID-19 guidelines for families and caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. All resources can be found online at www.alz.org. Residents are also encouraged to call their 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900.

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) again urged residents to take advantage of assistance from her office to help connect with pandemic response resources during the Stay at Home Order.

“My most important job right now is to connect residents with the resources that can help them navigate this crisis,” Glowiak Hilton said. “My office is working to address any questions and concerns our community has.”

Senator Glowiak Hilton’s district office is adhering to the Stay at Home Order, and all staff are working remotely. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered.

If people need help identifying an entity to help with unemployment, food, shelter or other services that can be difficult to navigate, Senator Glowiak Hilton’s office can be reached by calling 630-785-3177 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Senator Glowiak Hilton encourages residents to sign up for her e-newsletter here. The Illinois Senate Democrats also recently launched a new COVID-19 webpage, which outlines closures, family resources, the governor’s daily briefing and more.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced a bill from the Senate Judiciary Committee that would allow state agencies that purchase food through a contract to donate leftovers.

“Millions of Americans struggle with hunger while billions of pounds of food are wasted,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The state needs to lead by example and do all it can to curb food waste and ensure that the most vulnerable of us are fed.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 30-40 percent of the total food supply is wasted each year. Most food waste occurs at the retail and consumer levels.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 3-digit suicide hotline for Americans experiencing mental health crises.

“Mental health crises are becoming more prevalent, specifically in young people, and we need national leadership on this issue,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Creating a dedicated emergency hotline for this will save lives.”

Over 1,000 people commit suicide each year in Illinois alone. LGBT, American Indian, and veteran communities are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to concerns from area residents about 5G technology coming to the area, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is committed to learning more about the infrastructure to better inform legislative action on the issue.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people about this issue,” Glowiak Hilton said. “There was talk that certain carriers were going to roll out 5G in my district and people became concerned. I’m glad to jumpstart this conversation to help residents feel comfortable in their homes.”

The Senate Public Health Committee held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of the wireless technology. Glowiak Hilton is working toward stronger local control for municipalities, and hopes local areas will be able to choose if they want this technology in their areas.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is taking action to remove an unconstitutional loyalty oath that candidates filing for public office may sign, stating that the candidate is not affiliated with communist activities.

“This dated Cold War scare tactic wastes taxpayer dollars and has an immeasurable cost to our natural resources,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Printing a separate page for the oath for every candidate who files in Illinois not only wastes paper, but the time and energy of the public servants who administer our elections.”

Senate Bill 2331 would remove the optional oath, which was found to be unconstitutional in 1972. The loyalty oath was enacted by State Rep. Clyde Choate (D-Anna) in 1951. In 1996, Choate admitted to the Chicago Tribune that his legislation was both “unnecessary and ineffective.”

The legislation awaits consideration in the Illinois Senate. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield Jan. 28.

OAKBROOK TERRACE—Illinois Alzheimer’s caregivers and patients will now have an advocate within the Illinois Department of Public Health to oversee the state’s Alzheimer’s efforts, thanks to State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

Glowiak Hilton’s measure, Senate Bill 1726, which creates the position of Dementia Coordinator in the Department of Public Health to oversee the implementation of the Illinois Alzheimer's Disease State Plan, was signed into law on Monday.

“As someone who cared for a husband and mother with Alzheimer’s disease, I know how impossible it can seem,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Under the leadership of a statewide Dementia Coordinator, those living and caring for those with Alzheimer’s will have an advocate to fight for state policies that will improve their level of care.”