Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton urges families to explore college affordability and financial aid opportunities

OAKBROOK TERRACE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging students and their families to explore the state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Resources are available to make higher education more affordable to families,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “I’m hopeful this relief can offer support to students needing assistance.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced earlier this year, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

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ICJIA funding available for justice-impacted individuals in need of transportation

CHICAGO – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced a $255,000 funding opportunity to support justice-impacted individuals in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation or parole conditions, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt is encouraging all who are eligible to apply.

“Many people do not have access to reliable transportation, which can affect whether or not they make it to court or a parole meeting on time,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “These grants can help assist individuals who rely on transportation in order to avoid incarceration or other punishments.”

Read more: ICJIA funding available for justice-impacted individuals in need of transportation

Senator Sims to host Community Health Fair this Saturday

CHICAGO – To provide local residents with a one-stop shop to receive free health screenings and assistance from local elected officials, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a Community Health Fair.

The Community Health Fair will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jesse Owens Park, located at 8800 S. Clyde Ave. Participants will be able to receive free blood pressure, diabetes and vision screenings. State, local and city agencies will also be available to provide resources and information.

The fair is in partnership with Alderwoman Michelle Harris, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and State Representative Nicholas Smith. Attendees should bring a valid ID card in order to take advantage of some of the available resources.

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Castro highlights college affordability and debt relief opportunities

ELGIN – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Students and their families deserve to be informed and given resources to make higher education as accessible as possible,” said Castro. “As the cost of college continues to rise, I am hopeful this relief will support students facing economic hardship and those with limited access to resources.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

Read more: Castro highlights college affordability and debt relief opportunities