WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) urged those who are struggling with mental health issues to see if they qualify for help through three new Illinois Department of Human Services’ designed to provide housing, crisis support and community care resources.

“We're all laboring under heavy mental and emotional burdens right now, so we can't forget how much harder of a struggle this is for our friends and neighbors who are managing mental health issues,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Those in need should reach out to local service providers to see what options are available to them.”

IDHS’ new programs include the Living Room Program, Transitional Living Centers Program and the Transitional Community Care and Support Program. All three coordinate with community-based mental health centers and non-traditional service providers to increase access to the services they offer, as well as to develop their clinical services.

The Living Room Program is designed to break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization by providing a safe, home-like environment for people to go to process mental health crises. Peer run crisis services are used to provide a less traumatic and more empowering alternative for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Transitional Living Centers Program provides immediate housing to people living with mental illness while they work to find permanent housing. Priority is given to those being discharged from psychiatric hospitals who are at risk for homelessness.

The Transitional Community Care and Support Program assists uninsured or underinsured patients transitioning out of psychiatric care. The program includes funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.

For more information and a full list of IDHS’ mental health programs, visit their website.

WESTERN SPRINGS – With rising cases of attempted unemployment fraud, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) warned residents to contact the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) if they receive benefit cards they did not apply for.

“Scammers are taking advantage of this crisis and trying to line their pockets with money meant to help working families,” Glowiak Hilton said. “If you receive an unemployment benefit card in the mail and did not apply, do not activate it and please report it to IDES.”

Last week residents across the state reported receiving KeyBank debit cards and unemployment letters in the mail even though they did not apply. IDES says that individuals who received these mailings may be victims of identity theft or fraud. The target of this fraud is suspected to be the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Ambiguous guidelines for the program and hasty development may have left the program vulnerable to scammers.

Individuals who received these cards in the mail should not activate the debit card under any circumstances and should instead immediately contact IDES at 800-814-0513 to report identity theft. Victims of fraud should also review their credit reports for possible suspicious activity.

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) encouraged small business owners to apply for Paycheck Protection Program and other forgivable loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration on news the program has been renewed.

“Small businesses and their employees who are doing everything right during this pandemic and accepting things like staggered hours, strict occupancy requirements, or even complete closure deserve our support,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This program can help people keep their income during closures and stay in business when it is safe to fully reopen.”

Small businesses may apply for a portion of $10 million in relief through this first come, first served program. PPP allows business owners to keep employees on payroll and pay overhead expenses during closures. The extended deadline is Aug. 8.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if used for payroll, rent, utilities or mortgage interest. Participating lenders can be found on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website.

GLEN ELLYN – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) encouraged potential tutors to reach out to the College of DuPage on news it will receive $100,000 in state funds for the Literacy DuPage adult literacy program.

“Literacy DuPage helps adults learn the English language skills needed to live and work,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Anyone interested in becoming a part of this great program should contact Literacy DuPage to sign up for their next training session.”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

People interested in volunteering as tutors for Literacy DuPage should call 630-342-5210 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WESTERN SPRINGS – With schools set to reopen this fall, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) shared the health and safety guidelines that will guide educators as they resume in-person learning.

“Schools are reopening only because we have followed health guidelines so far,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Students and teachers should follow these new guidelines so we can continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and have a safe reopening.”

The Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health have issued guidelines for K-12 schools and higher education institutions to safely resume in-person learning this fall, while ensuring the health and safety of students and staff is prioritized. The groups worked with educators, superintendents, social workers, nurses and other stakeholders to create the 60-page guidance.

The guidelines for Phase 4 will, among other things:

• Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including face coverings;
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
• Require social distancing be observed, as much as possible;
• Require schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings; and
• Require an increase in school-wide cleaning and disinfection.

All schools in Illinois serving K-12 students must follow these guidelines.

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) reminded taxpayers that state individual income tax returns and payments are due July 15.

“The state has extended its income tax deadlines to help working families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This extension has hopefully allowed taxpayers to take the time they need to recuperate after unexpected losses in revenue.”

Those who have yet to file their 2019 state individual income tax returns must act by July 15 to avoid penalties and interest. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) estimates that 81% of state individual income tax returns have already been filed as of this week. IDOR recommends that individuals file their taxes online at www.MyTax.illinois.gov.

While IDOR offices are closed to the public, they can be reached online at tax.illinois.gov or by phone at 800-732-8866 to answer any questions.

WESTERN SPRINGS – As the state budget was signed into law, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) commended its focus on helping municipal governments cope with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we begin to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, local governments will play a critical role,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This budget ensures that they are equipped with the funding needed to help struggling residents.”

The FY21 state budget increases local government distributive funds by 5%. These funds, which come from a portion of state income tax revenue, are shared with municipal governments so that their local tax burden can remain low. The budget also ensures that no funds can be withheld from municipalities for allowing businesses to reopen early.

Small business owners who suffered a loss in revenue due to the pandemic were also prioritized in this year’s budget. Over $600 million was allocated to help businesses with money reserved specifically for daycare providers.

Senator Glowiak Hilton is committed to helping residents and business owners connect to the relief programs made available in the budget. While her office is closed, staff are working remotely and can be reached at 630-785-3177 or at www.SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com.

WESTERN SPRINGS – Property owners across the state may see lower property taxes thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Our recovery is going to take years, and reducing structural, long-term burdens like property taxes must be one of our goals,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Streamlining the approval process for tax exemptions will go a long way to help working families.”

Senate Bill 685 empowers county governments to approve 2020 Homestead Exemptions for those living with disabilities, veterans and senior citizens if their property was granted an exemption in 2019. Counties with under 3 million residents are also allowed to waive interest penalties and fees for late property tax payments in 2020.

The governor signed Senate Bill 685 last week and the legislation is effective immediately.