Murphy invites suburban small businesses to apply for zero-interest loans

DES PLAINES – Small businesses and independent contractors struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for one-time, zero-interest loans through the Cook County Community Recovery Fund, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

“Our communities are beginning to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, but the past few months have been devastating to the restaurants, shops and nonprofits that make our neighborhoods unique,” said Murphy. “These funds are a way for the county to offer support to businesses that are especially vulnerable at this time.”

The $10 million Community Recovery Fund offers loans of up to $20,000 for small businesses and up to $10,000 for independent contractors. The program will serve suburban Cook County businesses with fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in annual revenue, or independent contractors with less than $100,000 in yearly income who earn at least 50% of their revenue from contracting work.

Self-employed independent contractors, like rideshare drivers and other gig industry workers, who reside in South Suburban Cook County are also eligible to apply.

“With so many business owners hurting, $10 million is just a start,” said Murphy. “But these funds may provide some relief while we work to come up with other ways to offer assistance to our small business community.”

Online applications for the loans in Spanish and English are available now through June 17, 2020. To find additional information and apply, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/recovery.

Parade celebrating recovery of 17-year-old COVID-19 survivor bright spot for South Side community

CHICAGO—A South Side community came together for a parade to celebrate 17-year-old Sierra Rogers’ recovery after fighting COVID-19 for nearly eight weeks.

Sierra J. Rogers received treatment for the coronavirus at Rush University Medical Center from March 27 until May 20. Sierra then spent time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to help rebuild her strength after fighting the virus.

Ivy, who also overcame COVID-19, says it was an uphill battle, but Sierra is overjoyed to finally be home.

“Sierra is truly a fighter. She somehow maintained her bright and bubbly personality through it all,” Ivy said. “She built relationships with the staff at Rush, who went to great lengths to care and comfort her. Sierra is thrilled to finally be home and so grateful for everyone who has supported her in this journey to recovery.”

Read more: Parade celebrating recovery of 17-year-old COVID-19 survivor bright spot for South Side community

Secretary of State reopens facilities for new drivers, renewals beginning in June

GLENVIEW – As offices and businesses across the state begin to reopen under new health and safety guidelines, the Illinois Secretary of State will reopen driver services facilities to offer limited services starting June 1, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Wednesday.

“There’s no rush to get to a facility, since expiration dates have been extended and services are still available online,” said Fine. “But it’s good to see the Secretary of State’s office reopening their facilities with employees’ and customers’ safety in mind.”

Read more: Secretary of State reopens facilities for new drivers, renewals beginning in June

Morrison: Vote by mail is essential for voter safety

SPRINGFIELD —Thanks to efforts from State Senator Julie Morrison, Illinoisans will have a more accessible way to cast their ballots from the safety of their homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, standing in line to vote isn’t safe for many, specifically older populations and those at higher health risks. 

“COVID-19 has made congregating in small and enclosed spaces more dangerous,” Morrison said. “Long lines to get to the ballot box would require people to choose between their health and their right to vote.”

Morrison (D-Lake Forest) successfully passed an elections package — found in Senate Bill 1863 — which, among other things, will expand the state’s vote by mail program for the November election.

Read more: Morrison: Vote by mail is essential for voter safety