Business Interruption Grant (BIG) |
|
The IL Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity is accepting applications for the second round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) as of Thursday, September 17. Please click here for a link to the application as well as a preliminary application and checklist to help you prepare for your application.
This $220 million second round of BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, but with a particular focus on businesses downstate, in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs), and for heavily impacted industry and regions – representing businesses that have been unable to reopen or operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring.
Businesses outside the categories listed in the application details are also eligible to apply and receive funding under the program but maybe reviewed later than priority businesses. All businesses will receive a decision on their grant application within four to six weeks of application submission.
|
|
As we head into the fall season, with COVID-19 still very much a reality, it is critical that we continue to act with vigilance to keep ourselves, our families, and our neighbors safe. Chicago has seen an increase in our daily case rate in recent weeks, and public health experts expect that with the coming of Cold and Flu season, this will continue. Please be sure to continue wearing a mask or cloth face covering when you go out, maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others when out, wash your hands frequently, and seek medical attention if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. To find a flu shot location in Chicago please click the searchable map.
|
|
COVID-19 Testing Location |
|
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with LabTech Diagnostics and Great Lakes Clinical Trials, is broadening access to COVID-19 screening, testing, and guidance for necessary care. The organizations are providing the following free solutions to restaurants and bars in Andersonville, LabTech Diagnostics provides Molecular PCR (nasal swab) testing and Serology IgG/IgM antibody testing (blood draw), with a turnaround time of three days. Each individual will simply need to present their ID and Insurance Card at the time of testing. There is no out-of-pocket cost! If you are uninsured please bring a valid state ID or City Key card.
Testing will take place Wednesday, September 30. Testing will be done at Philadelphia Church located at 5447 N. Clark. If you have any questions please email David Oakes doakes@andersonville.org.
|
|
COVID-19 Count as of Monday, September 21:
If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 800-889-3931
Email: dph.sick@illinois.gov
City of Chicago's Department of Public Health:
Hotline: 312-746-4835
Email: coronavirus@chicago.gov
|
|
The census takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is available in 59 non English languages including American Sign Language. You can text your census related questions to 987-987 or complete the survey online here. Individuals can also call 844-330-2020 if they prefer to complete the survey over the phone. Everyone needs to be counted and it is so important to remember that there is no question of immigration status on the census in spite of the Trump administration’s efforts to quash inclusion in this census.
In the 2010 decennial census, 76.5% of the 14th District households mailed back their questionnaire, requiring more costly and difficult in-person follow up from the Census Bureau to count the remaining 23.5% (based on tracts from 2010 in the district's current boundaries).
|
|
The above graph shows District 14's response rate at 66.1% (as of September 21, 2020). The areas that are shaded in light blue have a response rate of 56% to 62%. The response rate has risen almost a full 2% since our last email. |
|
The above graph shows updated areas in the District that will be mailed a final paper question mailer to remind them to complete the census. To get more information on the mailings that were sent out please click here.
|
|
Election Judges Still Needed |
|
Covid-19 has caused a national shortage of poll workers and election judges across Illinois. In order to have a fair, safe and secure election it is vital to have election judges and poll workers. To serve as an election judge click here.
|
|
Vote By Mail Updates: Drop Box Options
|
|
The Secretary of State has started mailing out reminders to registered voters to request mail in ballots. If you have already requested a mail in ballot please disregard these letters as the data the Secretary of State is receiving from local election authorities might be delayed. The Chicago Board of Elections has also started emailing confirmations to those who have already requested ballots.
You can check the status of your request by visiting this site.
Given the recent increase in mail delays we are encouraging everyone who has requested a mail in ballot to drop them off at one of the secure drop boxes listed below. Mail in ballots will begin to be delivered in the mail on September 24.
|
|
Rogers Park residents can appeal their 2020 assessments to the Cook County Board of Review until Tuesday, October 13.
The 2020 assessment is used to calculate the tax bill residents will receive in July 2021 and does not affect the property tax bill received in July 2020.
Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, Alderwomen Maria Hadden, State Senators Heather Steans, and State Representatives Kelly Cassidy and will host a “drive-thru” appeal event and two “appeal overviews” via Zoom.
The drive-thru event will take place at the Devon Bank parking lot, located at 6445 N. Western Ave. in Chicago on Wednesday, September 30 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.
The drive-thru event will allow residents to fill out an appeal without leaving their cars. Upon entering the parking lot, residents will receive an appeal from a Board of Review employee that the resident can fill out and return immediately. Residents who have questions can also ask the Board of Review employees at this time. Residents are encouraged to bring their own pen and flat surface, such as a clipboard or magazine, to write on, although pens and clipboards will be provided. Residents must wear masks when interacting with Board of Review staff.
The appeal overviews will take place on Tuesday, September 29 at 5 pm and Thursday, October 1 at 1 pm. The Zoom overviews will allow residents to learn more about how to appeal through the Board of Review in addition to answering any procedural questions. Residents can sign up by clicking here or by calling Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 to sign up.
“We will continue to virtually help constituents appeal their property assessments and file for exemptions during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Suffredin. “I encourage you to reach out to my office so we can assist with your appeal or answer your questions.”
As a reminder, the deadline for Rogers Park residents to appeal to the Board of Review is Tuesday, October 13.
|
|
No-Cost Internet Access for CPS Students |
|
Sincerely,
Kelly Cassidy
State Representative, 14th District
Office of State Representative Kelly Cassidy
5533 N Broadway
Chicago IL 60640
|
|
773-784-2002(phone)
773-784-2060(fax)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
