CHICAGO – To help businesses across the state overcome financial burdens brought on by the pandemic, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to see dozens of businesses in the 5^th District will receive over a million dollars in Business Interruption Grants (BIG).

“Businesses are still struggling as we continue to endure this pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “I hope these grants help give businesses on the West Side a boost, and for those who haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late.”

Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded grants through the second round of the BIG program, which included specific funding for heavily impacted industries and businesses in disproportionately impacted areas. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 in financial assistance.

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 will remain open until all of the funding is spent and are available on DCEO’s website.

Bush: Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19

GRAYSLAKE — Following the announcement that Region 9 – which makes up Lake and McHenry Counties – and most of the state has received increased COVID-19 restrictions, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding everyone the importance of the three Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

“Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is something we, as Illinoisans and Lake County residents, are familiar with and know how to do,” Bush said. “It’s important to continue our efforts to mask up, participate in common hygiene practices and not gather in large groups.”

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Koehler highlights completion of Murray Baker Bridge

PEORIA — State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), joined with Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from the Illinois Department of Transportation to mark the completion of the Murray Baker Bridge’s renovation project last week.

“The revitalization of the Murray Baker Bridge is a long time coming," Koehler said. "The peace of mind that comes with regular maintenance of our roads and bridges cannot be understated and the newly installed lights add to the already magnificent Peoria skyline."

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Rockford area small businesses receiving over $1 million in second round of pandemic relief

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the second round of Business Interruption Grants the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding to Rockford businesses and other small business communities that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19-related losses and closures.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of my community,” Stadelman said. “They need this grant money to endure, and I’m happy the state continues to prioritize communities like Rockford in these hard times.”

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Black Caucus committee Roundup for week of Oct. 26

SPRINGFIELD — To continue its work to combat systemic racism, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a number of committees during the last week of October, covering topics from a lack of diversity in the workforce to disparities within the health care system.

The Senate held a joint hearing Monday to discuss the vast disparities Illinoisans face in access to treatment for addiction and mental health disorders.

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VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is pleased to announce businesses in the 23^rd State Senate District will receive more than $400,000 in financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging more to apply.

“Our local businesses are the foundation of our communities,” Cullerton said. “These funds will help our small businesses keep their doors open and employees and customers safe during this awful pandemic.”

Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

BUFFALO GROVE – To help small business owners dealing with the devastating financial impact of COVID-19, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is pleased to learn nearly $900,000 has been awarded to businesses in the district she represents through the state’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“Small business owners have faced continuous worries this year over whether they’ll have to shut their doors and how they’ll be able to support their families,” Johnson said. “Money awarded through these grants will help them be able to continue to bolster our communities through their products and services.”

JOLIET – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) encourages businesses and nonprofit organizations to utilize state and federal economic assistance as a COVID-19 surge threatens Illinois residents and hospitals.

“We all must sacrifice to protect one another,” McGuire said. “The price of sacrifice varies. It costs next to nothing to don a mask, wash one’s hands frequently and maintain six feet of social distancing. But for impacted businesses and nonprofits, including bars and restaurants, the sacrifice is considerable. Yesterday 30 businesses and nonprofit groups in Senate District 43 were awarded state Business Interruption Grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. BIG funding is awarded on a rolling basis. It’s not too late to apply.”

CHICAGO – To help offset financial losses amid the pandemic, Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) is pleased to learn 32 businesses in the district she represents have received financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, and she is encouraging more to apply.

“The small business community is among the hardest hit by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Martinez said. “These funds will support operating costs while they adjust to mitigation and ensure their employees are compensated appropriately.”

In the district Martinez represents, 32 businesses received a combined total of more than $1.1 million in grants. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic. 

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

“Although these grants will offset some costs, nothing compares to the support of the community,” Martinez said. “I encourage residents to continue to shop at their local small businesses, especially when planning for the holidays.”

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 DCEO’s website. 

For a complete list of awardees, click here.

CHICAGO - As 51 businesses in the 7th district receive financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) encouraged more to apply Friday.

“This is encouraging news for the businesses who received this aid, but I know a lot of other businesses and organizations who qualify have yet to apply, and there are still funds available,” Steans said. “I urge every business and organization that has fallen on hard times to consider seeing if they qualify and applying.”

Fifty-one businesses received $1.8 million in $5,000-$150,000 grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions 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.

GLENVIEW – More than $400,000 has been awarded to 20 North Shore businesses through the second round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, and millions of dollars are still available, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Friday.

“The pandemic hit our small business community hard. With increased mitigation measures now in effect in our region, many business owners are hurting,” Senator Fine said. “These funds will offer small businesses a hand, allowing them to retain employees and keep the lights on during this challenging time.”

In the district Senator Fine represents, 20 businesses—including restaurants, salons and performing arts venues—received a combined $415,000. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $90,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

In total, more than $46 million has been awarded to 1,200 small businesses across the state in the second round of the BIG program. This investment builds on the $49 million awarded to more than 2,800 businesses in the first round of funding.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, but applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“I’m glad to see so many local businesses receiving aid from the BIG program to help them get through this tough time,” said Senator Fine. “I encourage all struggling small businesses to apply as soon as possible to ensure they get the support they need.”

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 website.