Resources list – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has put together a list of many resources available to small businesses. Learn more at: dceocovid19resources.com/for-businesses/
Small business loans – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering assistance loans to affected businesses. More information here: www.sba.org
Automatic license extensions – IDFPR is automatically renewing all licenses that would normally expire between March 1 and July 31 until September 30. Continuing education that would normally be required to be completed in person can also be done online. The governor has issued executive orders that provide similar opportunities to cannabis businesses, private security and fingerprint vendors. Find more here: https://www.idfpr.com
Expedited Critical Access Pharmacy Payments – Comptroller Mendoza has expedited payments to pharmacies in underserved rural communities. illinoiscomptroller.gov/news/press-releases/comptroller-mendoza-releases-payments-to-critical-access-pharmacies/
CHICAGO—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor declared a state of emergency for Cook, Champaign, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Macon, Madison, Sangamon and Will counties:
“I commend the governor for responding to mine and other requests for a disaster declaration, especially in the Southland area.
“Our communities are experiencing the compounded devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and a desperate need to end systemic racism.
“This step will help provide necessary resources to assist businesses and community members who have been so greatly affected, both physically and emotionally.
“It will be extremely difficult for our communities to recover, but this is a great first step to help them.
“I will continue to work with my colleagues and the governor to hold bad actors accountable, fix our broken system and aid communities in recovery.”
CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after protests and riots in Chicago and across the country fueled by recent negative racial interactions involving African Americans, including the death of George Floyd, who died in the street as a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck:
“Our communities are desperate to arrive at a place where the same opportunities are available to all. Sadly, we have yet to “get to the promised land” spoken so eloquently by Dr. King, because we have never fully addressed the divisions of the racism that divides us or the systemic barriers erected to support it, which have allowed some communities to struggle while others have flourished.
“What we are witnessing from many of the protestors is a demand for change—an acknowledgment that the status quo is unacceptable and must end. They are crying out, screaming to be heard and wondering aloud how many more will have to die before we finally recognize the sanctity of black lives.
“In the case of Mr. Floyd’s death, it is only natural to feel outraged after seeing such a callous disregard of life, policy and proper procedure, but the fight is not over.
“Unfortunately, there are some who are using the pain of this moment for personal gain and selfish purposes which is offensive, unproductive and undermines the significance of this moment. I support the right to protest and call for changes to end to the systemic racism keeping us from being the best version of ourselves, but to endanger the life, health and economic well-being of our communities is selfish and will not be tolerated.
“As we fight tirelessly for justice, I ask that we don’t use lawlessness as a means to do it. I know there is an overwhelming need to be heard and understood. If no one else hears you, I do. I will continue to work relentlessly with leaders on all levels to fix our utterly broken system and hold bad actors accountable.
Social distancing is understandably weighing on many. Join NAMI Chicago, local youth and myself to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting young people. We'll be live on my Facebook page, http://facebook.com/SenElgieSims17, on Thursday at 6 p.m.
