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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton championed a new law to make Native American history a requirement for all public elementary and high school students.

“Native American history is American history. It’s time we introduce it in our classrooms,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “It is important that our children’s learning experiences are formulated in an atmosphere that is both inclusive and equitable."

House Bill 1633 requires public schools to make Native American history part of curriculum. Teachings will include the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances around forced Native American relocation.

Social studies courses pertaining to American history or government are required to include a unit of instruction studying the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton will help families of our fallen heroes in securing survivor benefits.

“Our nation’s military families have made life-changing sacrifices to serve our communities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This new law will create clarity to ensure the families of these fallen heroes will be given the financial support they are entitled to.”

House Bill 2856 will require vital records to list contributing factors behind a veteran’s death. This requirement would ensure survivor benefits and other rights are distributed if the death was caused by a service-related injury.

“We need to take a stand for our veterans, and show that we are here for them and their families,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Our veterans have sacrificed everything for our state and nation. The least we can do is make sure their families and loved ones receive the rights and financial support for the sacrifices they have made to protect our values and freedom.”

House Bill 2856 was signed into law Monday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – All schools in Illinois will now be required to supply opioid antagonists for students thanks to a new law led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“By ensuring that naloxone is readily available to all students in Illinois, we are helping save our children’s lives,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “The opioid epidemic has taken a toll on our communities. It’s time we develop and implement the necessary precautions to protect everyone in our classrooms.”

House Bill 3428 will require all school districts to maintain a supply of an opioid antagonist, a medication that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, in a secure location. Naloxone should be given to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose or when an overdose is suspected.