SPRINGFIELD – Restaurants, hotels and other small businesses across the state are encouraged to take advantage of two new emergency assistance programs, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D- Chicago) announced. 

“This pandemic has put a halt to many of the local businesses Illinoisians depend on,” Van Pelt said. “It’s good the Governor has set emergency programs in place, so that our city’s small businesses can get the relief they need. Otherwise the repercussions of this pandemic may cause insurmountable damage.”

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If you or someone you know is in need of employment, please see the list of essential businesses below that are hiring now: 

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CHICAGO – The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to school closures in Illinois, potentially leaving parents responsible for home-schooling their children through April. While families are making arrangements, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt is launching a career-focused art contest for students.

Earlier this month, Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered all K-12 schools — both public and private — be closed from March 17 to April 7 (April 21 for Chicago Public Schools) to further safeguard communities from the spread of the virus.

“The spread of COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives,” Van Pelt said. “But I don’t want school closures to be a hindrance for the creativity and productivity I know young people possess. Hopefully this gives them something to be excited about and keep their minds engaged during this difficult time.”

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 Separately, State Has Ordered 2.5 Million N95 Masks, 1 Million Surgical Masks, Among Other Supplies

Governor Calls for Federal Activation of Defense Production Act

Chicago — As the state continues to build on its robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for increased demand across the state’s health care system, Governor JB Pritzker announced a variety of steps his administration has taken to rapidly increase the state’s supply of personal protective equipment. The Governor announced a new partnership with the manufacturing and biotech industries to produce life-saving products in Illinois and an expansive state procurement effort that has already netted millions of masks and other PPE.

“In the face of the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, the people of Illinois have stepped up once again: our innovative biotech companies and state-of-the art manufacturers are teaming up with the State of Illinois to ramp up production of Personal Protective Equipment,”said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re not just waiting for in-state production. My administration continues to work day and night to scour the global supply chain. Illinois is acquiring PPE to compensate for what we haven’t received in our federal requests. But we are doing so while running up against obstacles that should not exist.”

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