Illinois help for workers, small businesses affected by virus

The Illinois Department of Employment Security is now taking steps to help state residents who are out of work because of the coronavirus, reports state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea).

Those workers should go online to www2.illinois.gov to see if they qualify for unemployment benefits.

Hoffman also reports that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is working with Gov. J.B. Pritzker to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the coronavirus.

For information about the program, small business owners may check the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

“Small businesses and employees need our support now more than ever during these trying times,” Hoffman said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, so when they hurt due to loss of business, we all hurt. As bars and restaurants close for the next couple weeks, it will be extremely important to shop small and support local businesses when they begin to reopen.”

For more information or additional resources, contact Hoffman’s constituent service office at RepJayHoffman@gmail.com or call 618-416-7407.

LICENSE OFFICES CLOSED THROUGH MARCH 31
Illinois has closed its driver’s services offices through March 31.

Also, 30-day extensions will be made for drivers who licenses will expire during that time, and also for identification cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings, Secretary of State Jessie White said.

White is also asking the federal government to extend the Oct. 1 deadline for people to get the new REAL ID licenses.

DURBIN PUSHES FOR ACTION ON TEST KITS
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, (D-Illinois), said he is continuing to push the federal government “ramp up” distribution of coronavirus test kits and protective equipment.

“The coronavirus pandemic is changing life as we know it for Illinoisans, and it’s imperative the federal government provide clear and consistent guidance to the state as we implement measures to keep people healthy and safe,” Durbin said. “I will continue pushing the Trump Administration to ramp up its test kit supplies and protective equipment distribution. That will be absolutely critical to addressing the spread of this virus.”