CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is encouraging struggling small business owners to consider the Small Business Association’s newly reopened Paycheck Protection Program.

“Small businesses have been hit hard by this year of pandemic, and this funding opportunity will help support local restaurants, stores and other establishments that still need help,” Martwick said. “I encourage local business owners to apply for these loans in order to support their businesses and our community.”

The Small Business Association has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program, a loan program designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll.  Businesses with 300 employees or less and at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between 2019 and 2020 are eligible to apply. 

First Draw PPP Loans and Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020 and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. Second Draw PPP loans are for businesses that have already received a PPP loan and may be eligible to receive another. At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. The deadline to apply for both loans is March 31, 2021.

Another assistance opportunity, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program makes $15 billion in grants available to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. The application is not open yet, but more information is available here.

To help constituents understand the new programs, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering webinars. A full list of webinars is available here.

CHICAGO –Taft Freshman Academy has received an Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Grant to fund a pollinator garden at the school, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) announced.

“Physical, hands-on learning is one of the best ways to engage children in their education,” Martwick said. “This project will help students learn about natural habitats and ecology by interacting with the many species that call their garden home.”

The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Fund to support the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. Projects funded by these grants are meant to teach children that their actions can make a difference in the world while increasing the use of native plants in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) passed a measure Monday that creates transparency regarding the true conditions of the Chicago firefighter pensions system and provides an accurate path for stability.

“This legislation shines a light on the true financial condition of the fund and prevents the city from intentionally kicking the can down the road and forcing bigger tax increases in the future,” Martwick said.  “The only way to truly fix our finances is to first acknowledge the true depth of the problem.”

House Bill 2451 removes outdated language that understates the true value of the pension benefit paid to firefighters while allowing the city to structurally underfund its payments. Two firefighters could have started on the force the same day, but could receive different benefits based on their dates of birth. 

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is partnering with Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi to host an Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment webinar Dec. 22 and is encouraging everyone who needs assistance to participate.

“Property taxes are expensive, and the assessment process is confusing,” Martwick said. “We’re offering this free webinar to help people understand more about the taxes they’re paying and to answer questions about how to appeal.”

This free online webinar will explain the property tax appeal process and help people appeal. The commissioner and Sen. Martwick will be giving a brief presentation on the subject, and an analyst will be available to answer questions.

Residents can visit www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/vabonargi to register for the webinar or file an appeal. Appeals are currently open in Jefferson Township.

Anyone who needs an appeal form mailed to them can contact Martwick’s district office at (773) 286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – Many of those in long-term care facilities are in need of holiday cheer, and State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at Norwood Crossing in Norwood Park and Seniors Assistance Center in Norridge.

“During the holidays this year, many of the folks who live in long-term care facilities are struggling,” Martwick said. “With people staying home for safety, we are getting creative with the ways we support our seniors.”

Martwick is encouraging everyone in the 10^th District to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help spread some holiday cheer during this difficult time.

Martwick is also encouraging kids to participate and make homemade cards.

Cards can be delivered to Martwick’s district office every Tuesday and Thursday until the 17^th.

6315 N Milwaukee, Suite 101
Chicago, IL 60646

For more information call 773-286-1115 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is pleased Illinois has joined the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide, a national effort focusing on mental health support and preventative services for veterans.

“Many veterans who rely on employment through our small businesses are facing additional struggles as the pandemic continues,” Martwick said. “I am pleased Illinois continues to prioritize those who have sacrificed so much four our country by putting $2 million toward suicide prevention.”

Illinois declared $2 million to the initiative, working in partnership with Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2019, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death among Illinois residents of all ages, but the third leading cause of death among those under the age of 24.

Illinois is the latest of 27 states to join the challenge. The State continues to prioritize mental health and preventative services and will work to implement best practices using the latest public health research and data.

CHICAGO – In honor of Veterans Day, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) celebrated the opening of the new Chicago Veterans’ Home along with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Illinois Capital Development Board. The home is the first state veterans’ retirement facility to open in 20 years and the first to serve the Chicagoland area.

“It is my honor to announce the opening of the Chicago Veterans’ Home and see the hard work of so many that has turned into reality,” Martwick said. “Veterans are our heroes. They have made the sacrifice to protect this country for our freedoms, and that’s why they deserve our appreciation through safe and affordable housing.“

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is pleased 25 businesses in the district he represents received financial assistance from the Businesses Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging businesses to continue to apply.

“Small businesses have faced some of the greatest financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Martwick said. “These funds are important to help keep business doors open while keeping the community safe.”

Twenty-five businesses in the district Martwick represents have received a combined $505,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to help offset costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have been interrupted due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.