Senate passes Glowiak Hilton initiative to expand services for deaf, blind students

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure educational resources are accessible for children who are deaf or blind, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed an initiative to broaden the scope of services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn.

“All children, regardless of their sensory needs, deserve the opportunity to receive high-quality education and support,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By extending the services of the Philip J. Rock Center and School, we're opening doors to new opportunities for children throughout our community.”

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Glowiak Hilton to host shred and recycling event in Hinsdale

HINSDALE – Residents are invited to join Redeemer Lutheran Church and State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton for a shred event on April 13 where they can properly recycle household items and dispose confidential documents.

“It’s vital that we prioritize the proper disposal of confidential documents and household items to protect our privacy and environment,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Join me on April 13 for our shred event, where we'll provide the resources needed for safe and confidential disposal of unwanted materials."

Glowiak Hilton is partnering with Redeemer Lutheran Church, SCARCE, Union Church of Hinsdale and Unitarian Church of Hinsdale to provide residents with these services. The free event will be held Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the shred truck is full at the Redeemer Lutheran Church located at 139 E. First St. in Hinsdale.

The event will have shredding services for confidential documents, as well as recycling for books, bicycles, walkers, canes, hearing aids, school supplies and more.

Glowiak Hilton hosts shred events multiple times throughout the year to provide an opportunity for residents to dispose of unneeded items in a safe and discreet way.

People with questions or concerns can contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630-785-3177 or by visiting her website.

Glowiak Hilton measure to expand services at Philip J. Rock Center and School

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading an initiative to extend the services offered at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn to children who are deaf or blind across the community.

“The Philip J. Rock Center and School is a vital resource for our community — this measure will give the center the ability to serve more children, including those with hearing and visual impairments,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We have to update the existing state law to make this facility more accessible to the children in our community who need it.”

Currently, the Philip J. Rock Center and School only serves students who are both blind and deaf. It is the only publicly funded residential school in the country for deaf-blind students. The school currently assists nine students from age three through 21.

Senate Bill 3768 would allow the center to serve children who have visual or hearing impairments, as well as those who have both. With construction underway on a new facility that will accommodate up to 20 students, Glowiak Hilton’s measure will allow the Philip J. Rock Center and School to expand their services to more children in the community with hearing or visual impairments.

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Glowiak Hilton highlights education and local funding following governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) issued the following statement after the governor outlined his Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal:

“The governor’s budget proposal highlights Illinois’ continued commitment to K-12 education by continuing its commitment of a $350 million increase into school districts. By providing this additional funding, families can take comfort in knowing that their schools will have the proper resources for students to succeed. This investment has the added benefit of allowing school districts to hold the line on property taxes. 

“Increased funding for tuition assistance for college gives our students the financial stability to pursue their dreams. If we want to keep our students here, this increased funding for higher education is necessary. Making college more affordable gives students in our community the opportunity to live, learn and work in Illinois for years to come.

“The proposed increased investment for the Meals on Wheels program gives our seniors accessibility to nutritious meals and a high quality of life. This community-based assistance offers our older adults the support they deserve when they need it. I am proud to see a continued commitment in giving the dignity and respect our senior residents have earned.

“While I was pleased to see more funding toward state education, I was disappointed that there was not an increase in investment toward the Local Government Distribution Fund, which puts money back into the hands of our local municipalities. People are counting on us to make common sense decisions in Springfield. As budget negotiations continue in the few months, I am going to fight to see us get to a place where the budget is fiscally sound, helps our local economy and represents our needs."