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Daily Q&A regarding issues of salons, summer youth programs, restaurants and more...

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced today his office’s reopening plan – beginning June 1 – with the first two months focused on serving ONLY new drivers, customers with expired driver’s licenses/ID cards and vehicle transactions. Currently there are more than 700,000 expired driver’s licenses/ID cards and 1.9 million expired vehicle registrations.  

Today, I join with my fellow colleagues in opposition to the Governor's filing of emergency provisions that would charge business owners with a Class A misdemeanor for violating the stay-at-home order. These are hardworking men and women who are trying to protect their livelihoods and provide for their families. The Governor has overreached his authority and once again unilaterally acted without the input of the legislative branch. 

Arguing that transparency is a necessary cornerstone of democracy, Senator Dale Rigther (R-Mattoon) has joined with colleagues to send a letter to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker asking for increased transparency on critical issues relating to the state's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a modified extension of his stay-at-home order on April 23. The Governor has yet to announce any plans for a regional re-opening of the state’s economy. Below are new provisions within the news modified stay-at-home order. The revised order will take effect on May 1 and stay in place until the May 30.

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) has announced it has distributed $7 million across the state to step up efforts to provide meal assistance for older Illinoisans impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have launched a new web tool for those who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and are seeking Economic Impact payments.

Daily Q & A with topics including medical professional licensure, childcare, human services and more....

As Illinois’ small business community continues to confront the daily consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) is encouraging local small business owners to take advantage of an upcoming informational business webinar.  

Small businesses looking to keep workers on the payroll have a new option in the Paycheck Protection Program. Starting now, small businesses may apply for loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that will be forgiven loans for businesses that keep all employees on the payroll for eight weeks. Money must be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

This week, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the extension of his ongoing "stay-at-home" order amid the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

Daily COVID-19 Q & A: April 3

Here are some helpful resource and webpages regarding the ongoing COVID-19 health issue.

Daily COVID-19 Q & A

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases growing daily, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced that he will be extending the state’s disaster proclamation for 30 days. This is the second disaster declaration issued by the Governor in hopes of combating the ongoing COVID-19 health issue. 

As small businesses and restaurants across the state continue to feel the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, a number of assistance measures have been put in place to help provide relief to Illinois' small business community. 

Currently, Illinois residents are facing the daily challenges of navigating the unprecedented pandemic that is the COVID-19 health crisis. 

With the Governor having recently issued a stay-at-home order lasting until Tuesday, April 7, I wanted to reach out to make you aware that constituent services are still available through both my Springfield and Mattoon offices via phone and e-mail.

The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order starting at 5 PM Saturday, March 21, until Tuesday, April 7. We want to make sure you understand what this means for you and dispel some rumors you may have heard.  

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, below are updates on issues and topics impacting the daily lives of our residents.

According to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the federal emergency declaration has added flexibility to the Medicaid system that will help cover costs involved with testing for and treating patients for COVID-19.

On March 13, Governor Pritzker ordered that all K-12 schools (both public and private) close from March 17 through at least March 30. The order also includes early childhood programs located in public and private schools. Internships, experiential learning opportunities, and behind-the-wheel driver’s education are included as well.

In light of ongoing health concerns surrounding the coronavirus/COVID-19 health crisis, a number of Illinois’ utility companies have announced measures being taken to help alleviate unnecessary stress and burdens for Illinois residents.

All restaurants and bars are now closed through March 30, but you can still support these small businesses by utilizing drive-thru, delivery and curbside pickup where offered. Also, consider buying gift cards online to use later. This small step can help these local businesses get through this difficult time.

For individuals, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will postpone the April 15 federal tax-payment deadline for another 90 days. The IRS will also waive interest and penalties. This delay is available to people who owe $1 million or less. Go to https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html