GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
COVID-19: On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 894 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, including 41 additional confirmed deaths. Illinois is reporting a total of 139,434 cases, including 6,810 deaths, in 101 counties in Illinois. The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from June 18-June 24 is 3%.
Phase 4: All regions in Illinois entered Phase 4 of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan on Friday, June 26th. Under phase 4, health and fitness centers, movies and theaters, museums and zoos are all allowed to reopen in a limited fashion. Indoor dining at restaurants will resume in a limited capacity and gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed. More information on Phase 4 is here. A full copy of Phase 4 guidelines is here.
Phase 4 School Reopening: Governor Pritzker announced guidelines to allow K-12 schools, community colleges and universities to resume in person instruction for the fall. The Illinois Department of Public Health requirements for K – 12 schools to reopen include using face coverings, prohibiting no more than 50 people in one space, requiring social distancing, conducting symptom checks and screenings, and increasing cleaning. More information for K -12 schools is here.
Requirements for community colleges and universities include social distancing, physical spacing, hand sanitizing, face covering requirements and regular symptom monitoring. Guidance for higher education is here and community college guidance is here.
SBA Loans: U.S. Small Business Administration approved the state’s request for federal assistance to help businesses in the northern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will. The declaration stems from looting and other damages that took place in connection to civil unrest occurring May 26 through June 8, 2020. The approved SBA disaster declaration makes low-interest loans of up to $2 million available to eligible for businesses, homeowners, renters, and non-profits. More information is here.
Business Grants: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced a new Business Interruption Grant for businesses impacted by COVID-19. The first round of business interruption grants will make $60 million available for 3,5000 businesses that experienced losses or interruption due to COVID-19. More information on the Business Interruption Grants is here.
Distressed Capital Program: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced a Rebuild Distressed Communities program which will offer $25 million in economic recovery to support Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during the protests and demonstrations. The Distressed Capital Program will reimburse the costs to repair structural damages, including repairs to storefronts and entrances, improving electrical systems, and restoring exterior work. More information on the Distressed Capital Program is here.
Water Quality Funding Opportunity: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced $9.5 million in funding for two grant opportunities for projects that will improve water quality in Illinois. The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities will provide up to $5 million in funding annually. Applications are also being accepted for the existing Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Financial Assistance Program which will award up to $4.5 million in funding. More information on the grant opportunities is here.
Broadband Expansion: Governor Pritzker announced $50 million in Connect Illinois grants to 38 projects throughout Illinois. The state grants will be matched by $65 million in nonstate funding. More grants are expected to be issued by the end of the year. More information on the Connect Illinois grants is here.
101st GENERAL ASSEMBLY:Michael Camerer, the Republican candidate for the 45th House district, died unexpectedly this week. Camerer, who was a Bartlett Village Trustee, won a three-way primary in March and was challenging Representative Diane Pappas in November.