OAKBROOK TERRACE – To ensure residents of the 23^rd District continue to have access to quality library resources, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton announced six local libraries will receive $226,662 in grants from the Illinois Secretary of State to support services, programs and materials.

“Beyond collections of books, libraries are community hubs that benefit people of all ages,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This state funding will support these vital spaces in our neighborhoods that spark curiosity, foster connection and expand opportunities to learn.”

Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants are awarded annually to support public libraries serving nearly 12 million patrons throughout the state. The funding can be used for collection development, including books and learning materials, online resources and internet access, staff, public programming and capital upgrades.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS — Glendale Heights residents will have the opportunity to securely shred personal documents in June, thanks to an event sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“Many of us find ourselves hanging onto documents we no longer need, especially after tax season,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Instead of tossing papers with personal information into the recycling, I encourage residents to take advantage of shred events that ensure secure disposal.”

Identity theft is one of the top categories of scams targeting Illinois residents. The Better Business Bureau recommends shredding unneeded sensitive documents, such as bank statements, medical bills and pay stubs, to prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands.

Residents will have the opportunity to safely get rid of documents on Saturday, June 7 at the Glendale Heights Civic Center, 300 E. Fullerton Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full. The event is a joint effort between Glowiak Hilton, State Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock, Glendale Heights Mayor Rebecca Giannelli and the Glendale Heights Police Department.

For more information or questions, contact Glowiak Hilton’s office at 630-785-3177.

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to strengthen safeguards for children in the foster care system, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced legislation that would prevent individuals with a record of trafficking from being approved as foster or adoptive guardians.

“No child should ever be placed in a home where their safety could be in question,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Clarifying the law will help ensure no one with a trafficking conviction can gain access to children under state care.”

House Bill 871 would prohibit the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services from placing a child in a foster or adoptive home with an individual who has a record of human or sex trafficking.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois could soon join a growing list of states that have banned the sale of at-home sexual assault evidence collection kits — which experts say raise concerns about reliability and privacy — thanks to legislation from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“At-home kits are marketed with the misleading claim that evidence can be collected at home, only for survivors to find out the results aren’t admissible in court,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “These products may seem like a discreet option, but they fall short in terms of validity and the trauma-informed support a medical professional provides.”

At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits are marketed online as an alternative to medical forensic exams, but they lack the oversight and expertise needed for reliable evidence collection. In Illinois, professional exams not only address physical trauma but offer emotional support, with a trained crisis advocate explaining the survivor’s rights and options. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners conduct the exams, collect evidence according to established protocols and can testify in court if necessary.