WESTERN SPRINGS – With schools set to reopen this fall, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) shared the health and safety guidelines that will guide educators as they resume in-person learning.

“Schools are reopening only because we have followed health guidelines so far,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Students and teachers should follow these new guidelines so we can continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 and have a safe reopening.”

The Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health have issued guidelines for K-12 schools and higher education institutions to safely resume in-person learning this fall, while ensuring the health and safety of students and staff is prioritized. The groups worked with educators, superintendents, social workers, nurses and other stakeholders to create the 60-page guidance.

The guidelines for Phase 4 will, among other things:

• Require use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including face coverings;
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space;
• Require social distancing be observed, as much as possible;
• Require schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings; and
• Require an increase in school-wide cleaning and disinfection.

All schools in Illinois serving K-12 students must follow these guidelines.

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) reminded taxpayers that state individual income tax returns and payments are due July 15.

“The state has extended its income tax deadlines to help working families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This extension has hopefully allowed taxpayers to take the time they need to recuperate after unexpected losses in revenue.”

Those who have yet to file their 2019 state individual income tax returns must act by July 15 to avoid penalties and interest. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) estimates that 81% of state individual income tax returns have already been filed as of this week. IDOR recommends that individuals file their taxes online at www.MyTax.illinois.gov.

While IDOR offices are closed to the public, they can be reached online at tax.illinois.gov or by phone at 800-732-8866 to answer any questions.

WESTERN SPRINGS – As the state budget was signed into law, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) commended its focus on helping municipal governments cope with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we begin to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, local governments will play a critical role,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This budget ensures that they are equipped with the funding needed to help struggling residents.”

The FY21 state budget increases local government distributive funds by 5%. These funds, which come from a portion of state income tax revenue, are shared with municipal governments so that their local tax burden can remain low. The budget also ensures that no funds can be withheld from municipalities for allowing businesses to reopen early.

Small business owners who suffered a loss in revenue due to the pandemic were also prioritized in this year’s budget. Over $600 million was allocated to help businesses with money reserved specifically for daycare providers.

Senator Glowiak Hilton is committed to helping residents and business owners connect to the relief programs made available in the budget. While her office is closed, staff are working remotely and can be reached at 630-785-3177 or at www.SenatorSuzyGlowiak.com.

WESTERN SPRINGS – Property owners across the state may see lower property taxes thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Our recovery is going to take years, and reducing structural, long-term burdens like property taxes must be one of our goals,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Streamlining the approval process for tax exemptions will go a long way to help working families.”

Senate Bill 685 empowers county governments to approve 2020 Homestead Exemptions for those living with disabilities, veterans and senior citizens if their property was granted an exemption in 2019. Counties with under 3 million residents are also allowed to waive interest penalties and fees for late property tax payments in 2020.

The governor signed Senate Bill 685 last week and the legislation is effective immediately.

WESTERN SPRINGS – After restrictions were lifted for Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan to allow for outdoor dining, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) encouraged residents to support their local business owners.

“The small businesses that make our community unique are hurting, especially those in the food service and hospitality industries,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We can all do a small part by visiting these local restaurants as they reopen for outdoor seating.”

Since the first executive order issued on March 21, restaurants and bars had been forced to stop dine-in service to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this month, the governor announced that outdoor dining would now be permitted for regions that enter Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions are expected to enter Phase 3 this Friday, May 29.

“The only reason restaurants are allowed to reopen is because we are following guidelines from public health experts,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Please be considerate and remember to wear your masks and keep six feet apart while waiting to reserve a table.”

SPRINGFIELD – With state resources stretched thin, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) voted to freeze her pay for the upcoming year so that taxpayer dollars can go to help struggling families.

Under state law, legislators receive an automatic cost of living adjustment each year. However, Senator Glowiak Hilton voted for a budget that provides $0 to pay for these automatic raises.

“During these unprecedented times all our state funds need to go toward helping those affected by the pandemic,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I am proud to freeze my salary. That money will be better spent helping provide relief to our small business community and getting people safely back to work.”

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who processes legislator’s pay checks, confirmed Sunday that the budget the General Assembly recently passed does not contain any pay raises for legislators.

WESTERN SPRINGS – To support residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their families, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) highlighted resources available from the Alzheimer’s Association.

“No one should face Alzheimer’s alone,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The Alzheimer’s Association is here to help families and caregivers during these unprecedented times.”

In addition to their standard help and support resources, the Alzheimer’s Association has published COVID-19 guidelines for families and caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. All resources can be found online at www.alz.org. Residents are also encouraged to call their 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900.

WESTERN SPRINGS – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) again urged residents to take advantage of assistance from her office to help connect with pandemic response resources during the Stay at Home Order.

“My most important job right now is to connect residents with the resources that can help them navigate this crisis,” Glowiak Hilton said. “My office is working to address any questions and concerns our community has.”

Senator Glowiak Hilton’s district office is adhering to the Stay at Home Order, and all staff are working remotely. However, phone calls are forwarded and emails are still being answered.

If people need help identifying an entity to help with unemployment, food, shelter or other services that can be difficult to navigate, Senator Glowiak Hilton’s office can be reached by calling 630-785-3177 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Senator Glowiak Hilton encourages residents to sign up for her e-newsletter here. The Illinois Senate Democrats also recently launched a new COVID-19 webpage, which outlines closures, family resources, the governor’s daily briefing and more.