SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton’s measure to help to modernize Illinois’ professional licensure process advanced out of the Senate Tuesday.

“I continue to hear from residents in my district who are waiting for an update on their license applications and renewals,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This measure will expedite the process to modernize and streamline operations for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.”

IDFPR administers licenses for over 100 different professions including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists and others. In Illinois, over 1 million people need a professional license or registration to work.

House Bill 2394 addresses the backlog of licenses and registrations by creating an expedited and competitive bid procurement process for software to modernize the way IDFPR processes licensing.

It will also require the department to extend the expiration date or renewal period for any profession licensed by them if the agency secretary finds that there is a significant operational need to do so or it is necessary to avoid undue hardship on a profession's licensees.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced more than $1.2 million was awarded to local organizations through the Illinois Department of Public Health to support post-pandemic child and adolescent mental health.

“Throughout the last few decades, we have seen a significant increase in young people dealing with mental health struggles,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “The COVID pandemic enhanced and intensified mental health issues. This vital funding will allow our schools to strengthen and improve mental health services for our children.”

The grants – funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and additional state funding – are intended to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma, and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.

OAKBROOK TERRANCE – To uplift women in need and survivors of domestic abuse, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is teaming up with DuPage County legislators to host a Love Purse donation drive starting Oct. 1.

“The #LovePurse movement is a small way we can support and empower residents who are feeling scared or vulnerable,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Our goal is to come together to provide survivors of domestic abuse and those in need with basic necessities, notes of encouragement, and the intention to make residents feel loved, valued and respected.”

WESTERN SPRINGS – Seven restaurants in the 23^rd District are set to receive $305,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“Our local business generate economic development for our communities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “The Back to Business grant program is an instrumental way that we can support and uplift restaurants and ensure they are on a path toward recovery.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

“It is vital that we continue to look for ways to support our local businesses,” said Glowiak Hilton. “I urge everyone to dine, shop and think local whenever possible.”

For more information about B2B grants, visit DCEO’s website.