Dear Chamber Leaders,
This is a time of great change and uncertainty. I appreciate your patience and your willingness to assist
as our community navigates the COVID-19 outbreak.
I'm sure you are receiving as many calls looking for guidance as my office. To help you respond to questions from businesses, I have compiled a list of services that may assist you. For your reference, I have attached:
a FAQ to help restaurant and bar employees navigate the unemployment insurance program
guidance from the federal Department of Health and Human Services regarding infection
control and prevention in nursing homes, and
a copy of the executive order prohibiting on-premises food and drink consumption at all Illinois
establishments.
Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that Illinois will extend its income tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15 to coincide with the federal extension. In addition:
In addition, Illinois has secured a statewide Economic Injury Declaration with the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a result, small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak now have access to up to $2 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans. Interested business owners can apply at sba.gov/disaster.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has extended license expiration dates and continuing education deadlines. Licensees may complete continuing education requirements and other coursework online.
To help alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants. More information on the deferral is available at tax.illinois.gov.
These changes have been made possible by emergency declarations at both the state and federal levels. Gov. Pritzker has signed a series of executive orders granting the authority for these changes in an
effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Please understand these policies are fluid and subject to change. Additionally, more changes might be forthcoming.
Feel free to share with your business community. They, too, may have some recommendations on how we might offer help to our local business owners during this challenging time, and I would encourage you to forward these suggestions to me for consideration. If you would like more information on any policy or topic, please let me know.
My office remains open by phone (815-987-7557) or email (
Sincerely,
State Senator Steve Stadelman
34th District
