Hastings provides an update on streamlined licensing process for military members

FRANKFORT – In order to ease the burden of getting state licenses for military members and their families, the State of Illinois is expediting the licensing review process for military members seeking to obtain professional licensure in Illinois.

Hastings announces BIG grant funding for 18 local businesses

FRANKFORT – Eighteen South Suburban businesses received Business Interruption Grant money, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) announced Thursday.

“With COVID-19 positivity and death rates increasing, Governor Pritzker has put mitigation measures in place for communities across the state. As a result, South Suburban business owners have had to endure multiple shutdowns,” Hastings said. “It is essential that the state provides help, and I am incredibly appreciative that our businesses that have borne the brunt of this pandemic were prioritized in this round of grants."

Businesses were awarded $5,000-$150,000 grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“I have spoken to numerous recipients of these grants, which I voted this past session to fully fund, and they have expressed to me how helpful the money was in helping their businesses stay afloat. From Tom Kelly’s Pub in New Lenox to Flavor in Richton Park, I have seen firsthand the difference these grants have made in the lives of our business owners and their employees.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.

Hastings: It’s our moral obligation to offer financial relief to utility customers

FRANKFORT - Earlier this week, the Illinois Commerce Commission announced an extension of the moratorium on disconnections through winter 2021, a move State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) called for as leader of the Senate’s Energy and Public Utilities working group this past legislative session.

”Until a vaccine is readily available, COVID-19 is here to stay. That means we need to continue doing everything in our power to provide meaningful assistance to our people,” Hastings said. Extending moratoriums on shutoffs and providing additional financial relief for life-saving utility services is our moral obligation.”

Numerous utility companies throughout the state have extended the moratorium on disconnections for eligible low-income residential customers, and those who self-report to utilities that they are experiencing financial or COVID-19 hardship through March 31, 2021. Those companies include Aqua Illinois, Illinois-American Water Company, Utility Services of Illinois, MidAmerican, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas Company, Peoples Gas, Liberty Utilities and ComEd.

Customers are urged to call their utility company if they have missed bill payments or are struggling to pay bills. No documentation or written proof is necessary, but an explanation of your difficulty is necessary. Deferred payment arrangements are also available for both residential and small business customers needing help managing their utility bill obligation.

Hastings: Will County cannot afford another setback

FRANKFORT – Following the announcement that Region 7 mitigation measures were lifted, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement:
 
“Three weeks ago, enhanced mitigation measures were placed on Will County and Region 7. Our local businesses and municipalities were forced into an extreme and dire situation. With the hard work and discipline of Will County residents, the COVID-19 infection rate has decreased to a point where the enhanced mitigation measures will be lifted effective at 5:00 p.m. this evening. 

“I want to thank our businesses and chambers of commerce for their feedback and involvement throughout this process. Listening to our local leaders is essential to effective leadership. For those businesses still struggling, I encourage you to visit the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s website for information on the Business Interruption Grant program. 

“Moreover, I could not be more proud of our people for coming together and taking proper precautions.  As we move forward, our local businesses cannot afford another setback. We must remain vigilant for the sake of economic recovery and public health.”