Daily COVID-19 Update: Alert System for Medically Trained Professionals Announced
The Governor is calling on all medical professionals to sign up for an emergency alert system. This includes all Registered Nurses, Licensed Professional Nurses, Respiratory Licensed Professionals, Dentists etc. This emergency alert system is different than SIREN , a system mentioned in previous updates that is directed just for physicians. The newly launched website is for all healthcare professionals at any level. The alert system will send a notification out to all medical professionals that register when there is a public health emergency and will allow us to efficiently deploy critical medical professionals in the event of a public health medical emergency. We encourage all healthcare professionals to register here .

Since last week when the Governor called on retired and recently departed health professionals to rejoin their professions, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has received 510 applications and is beginning to send out temporary licenses more are still needed.

Healthcare  License Reinstatement:  application here
Physician License Reinstatement:  application here
Out of State Temporary Practice Permit:  application here

Yesterday, Illinois was finally declared a Major Disaster Area by the President, which opens up millions of dollars for the State to begin addressing the needs of residents . However, Governor Pritzker continues to push for the President to use his authority to invoke the Defense Production Act to allow States to access the equipment we need instead of continuing to compete with other States and foreign countries. During his daily briefing today, a reporter shared an announcement that the President had invoked the Defense Production Act in a limited fashion with regard to GM beginning production of ventilators. While Governor Pritzker was pleased by this development, he continues to press for broader use of the Act. Invoking this would change requirements that allow private companies to create Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and prioritize them for sale to the highest bidder. As a State we continue to need (PPE) and individual States do not have the needed resources to manufacture all the essential products at the same rate as the demand as the number of diagnosed cases increases daily.

Today, the Governor announced important changes to much needed social services that the State administers such as SNAP and WIC benefits as well as significant increases in SNAP funding via federal relief legislation. SNAP certifications due in March, April, or May have been extended for 3 months. The department has also waived physical presence requirements for SNAP applications to allows for individuals to apply or recertify remotely. Individuals interested in applying should apply online here . While many of the Human Services Regional offices remain open for those without internet access, both Governor Pritzker and Secretary Ho urged anyone with internet access to utilize that process to protect themselves and our frontline workers from unnecessary exposure.

The Governor also announced an increase of 5% overall to assist in services to people experiencing homelessness and permanent housing across the state including $6 millions in new funding announced last week . The 5% increase to existing partner agencies will allow those organizations to better absorb additional costs and ensure their ability to implement social distancing policies in facilities.

The Governor also acknowledged the particular risk our current climate creates for victims of domestic violence and pledged to ensure adequate supports. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence call the State's hotline 877-863-6338.

The Chicago Department of Housing has also announced the roll out of a housing grant program for households that are eligible. View the full announcement here .

Last week emergency applications for childcare providers were announced . More than 600 applications for emergency licenses have been submitted. These emergency childcare facilities will assist with daycare for healthcare professionals, grocery store employees, delivery drivers and other essential workers during this pandemic. This also includes a funding increase for providers based on the overall size of the facility. Home based providers in the system can expect an additional $750, facilities with 1-2 classrooms can anticipate $2000 and those with 3 or more classrooms will get $3000. These grants will be administered through our existing local childcare resource agencies.

Parents and guardians in need of emergency childcare assistance can call the State hotline 888-228-1146.


COVID-19 Count as of today :


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

You can sign up to get updates from the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health here .

We encourage everyone to continue social distancing practice and to stay home.
Creation of the Illinois Relief Fund
In an effort to address the vast array of needs many families are experiencing during this pandemic a new organization chaired by Penny Pritzker in partnership with the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community shared the creation of the Illinois Relief Fund. The fund to date has raised nearly $23 million.

  • Emergency food and basic supplies
  • Interim housing and shelter
  • Primary health care services
  • Utility and financial assistance
  • Supports for children and other vulnerable populations
  • Nonprofit safety and operations assistance

The funds were raised by donations from corporations, foundations and individuals and will work with other response funds set up around the state.
U.S. House Passes Federal CARES Act
Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the $2 Trillion stimulus package and it was also signed into law by the President . Below are some highlights.

  • A $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund: Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
  • $260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits: Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four weeks, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.
  • Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans: Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household. These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.
  • More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief: Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.
  • Approximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research: Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.
  • More Than $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations, Including the Following:
  • Transit Agencies: Provides $25 billion to transit agencies, which have all seen a drastic drop in revenues as social distancing has been implemented. This funding is to be used to protect the jobs of the employees of the transit agencies, funding their paychecks during this public health emergency. 
  • HUD Emergency Solution Grants: Provides $2 billion for HUD Emergency Solution Grants to states that will be distributed by formula. These grants are designed to address the impact of the coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to support additional homeless assistance, prevention, and eviction prevention assistance. In addition, the bill provides an additional $2 billion for these grants that will be allocated by HUD to the most hard-pressed areas.
  • Child Care and Development Block Grant: Supports child care and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.  
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):  Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills.

We will be providing more details and updates as we learn more on what funds are coming directly to Illinois and information on how we will be using those funds.

Unemployment Guidance on Filing
The Department of Employment Security (IDES) continues to receive an unprecedented number of calls and website visits to file claims. Yesterday, IDES shared an announcement on new protocols on dates individuals should be filing . They will also be back dating unemployment benefits based on the date individuals became unemployed due to COVID-19 instead of the date they were able to file.
Bike Path Options
While Mayor Lightfoot announced the closure of the lakefront and other popular trails such as the 606, we understand some essential employees might need to use bike paths to get to work. The Chicago Department of Transportation Bike Ambassadors map shows bike routes for those needing to get some exercise or commute to work.


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)