This post was last updated on March 27th at 3:30pm.
To the Residents of the 14th District,
So much has changed so quickly over the past few weeks and it is hard to keep up with all of the news. I want to update you with the most relevant information at the federal, state, and county level.
As of today, Illinois has 3,026 reported cases and 34 reported deaths. Daily updates on case count and general resources have been compiled by Gov. Pritzker here.
1) For families with children:
Updates on schools: As of today, ISBE has received a waiver on assessment requirements for K-12 school. Schools are closed until March 31 as Act of God days. These are days that do not need to be made up. However, many districts have opted to use e-learning, teacher institute, or spring break days for some of the days. After March 31, schools will move into Remote Learning days. Please contact your local school or district for the best guidance. Updates from the Illinois State Board of Education are here.
Updates on childcare: As of today, early childhood and childcare facilities are closed until April 7th except for children of essential workers. Additional information from the Office of Early Childhood Development is here.
2) For taxpayers: federal and state income tax filing deadlines have been extended until July 15, 2020.
As of this writing, stimulus payments to tax payers have not begun.
3) For seniors: a list of grocery stores with special senior shopping hours is here.
4) For diners: an ongoing list of local restaurants offering take out is here.
5) For the newly unemployed: Illinois has waived the week long waiting period for new unemployment insurance claims and has loosened requirements around actively searching for work. Parents who have left work to care for their children are eligible for unemployment claims. Full details on eligibility and submission process are here.
As of this writing, expanded benefits and benefits to self-employed workers have not begun.
6) For renters and homeowners:
Currently, Illinois has suspended evictions in Executive Order 2020-10 until April 7th.
Additionally, Illinois is discouraging utility shutoffs until May 1. Details from the Illinois Commerce Commission on utilities are here.
Many mortgage companies are also offering temporary relief on mortgage payments. Please contact your mortgage servicer directly.
Finally, property tax notices and appeals are suspended temporarily. Please contact the Cook County Assessor's Office for more information.
7) For those who need food or shelter:
If your home is unsafe, please call the domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 (Voice) or 1-877-863-6339 (TTY). The hotline is toll free, confidential, multilingual, and open 24-hour.
If you have a child who typically receives food at school, a list of schools continuing to offer meals is here. Please contact your school district for more information.
If you need food, please visit the following links:
8) For those who want to give: A list of donation and volunteer opportunities can be found here. In particular, we need continued blood donors!
9) For business owners:
Delayed fines, fees, and taxes: Cook County has delayed a range of fines and fees for businesses. A list is here. Across Illinois, sales taxes for bars and restaurants that have a tax burden of less than $75,000 are able to defer February-April tax payments until May. Full details are available here.
Licenses & certifications: The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is extending licenses that would have expired in March, April, or May to July 31, 2020. Details can be found here. In Cook County, certified Minority/Women/Veteran/Service Disabled Veteran/Person with Disability owned businesses t will have the option of having their 2020 renewal dates extended automatically by 6 months with recertification fees waived. More information here.
Bars & Restaurants: The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is authorizing the return of beer that was sold and delivered on or before March 23rd. Beer must be in the original package or untapped kegs. Beer must have been purchased with the intention of on-premise consumption. Beer may be returned for cash or credit. Details can be found here. The state has also launched the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program for bars and restaurants with revenues of less than $1 million in 2019 and hotels with revenues of less than $8 million in 2019. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on April 1st and will be determined on a lottery basis. Information and application is here.
Small Businesses: Businesses located outside of the City of Chicago with fewer than 50 workers and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019 will be eligible to apply for low interest loans of up to $50,000. Starting today, interested businesses will be able to express interest via the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.
Be well,
Commissioner Scott Britton