Cannabis legalization is under serious discussion in Springfield. To speak about what that means for the law, taxation, and justice, I invite you to join me and other state lawmakers May 11 for a town hall discussion. See more details below.

Dear Friends,

The first of the year is an important date in Illinois law, when the overwhelming majority of new statutes go into effect. 2018’s legislative action has brought many important changes, including important bills I sponsored to fight dangerous illegal substances, promote accountability in law enforcement, cap check cashing rates at currency exchanges, establish the Illinois Council for Women and Girls and safeguard our water supply.

You can click here for my 2018 session overview.

As you look forward to 2019, don’t hesitate to make your questions or concerns about state government known to me by calling my office at (773) 224-2830.

Sincerely,

Senator Jacqueline Collins

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Dear Friend, 

As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I'm always interested in supporting our state infrastructure and the employment opportunities it provides. Do you have labor or services you can contribute to Illinois as we enter a new construction season? If you’re a contractor interested in working with the state, consider the upcoming IDOT Region One Summit For Success, meeting this weekend.If you or somebody you know is seeking employment in transportation, consider applying to the Chicago Transit Authority.

Click on the images below for a full-size version. You can also find more information on the summit here.

Sincerely,

Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins

16th Illinois Senate District

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Dear friend,

Businesses in areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and recent civil unrest can begin applying for Business Interruption Grants starting today, June 26. If you are a business owner, you can check your eligibility through the Dept. of Commerce of Economic Opportunity’s website here.

The first round of BIG funding will award $60 million to 3,500 businesses in the following categories:

• Businesses in disproportionately impacted areas will receive $20 million in grants to offset the cost of recent property damage.
  
  • The program will award 1,000 grants of $20,000 each to businesses that have suffered property damage in recent weeks.
  • Businesses must have been operating for at least three months prior to March 2020 and must have brought in less than $2 million in revenue in 2019.
• Bars and restaurants that weren’t able to operate during Phase 3 will receive $20 million in grants to support them through closures and reopening.
  
  • The program will award 1,000 grants of up to $20,000 each to restaurants who remained completely closed during Phase 3, whether due to prohibition by local ordinance, lack of access to outdoor space or financial infeasibility.
  • Half of the grants will go to businesses in disproportionately impacted areas, with a focus on areas having recently suffered property damage.
  • Establishments must have been operating for at least three months prior to March 2020 and must have brought in less than $3 million in revenue in 2019.
• Barbershops and salons will receive $10 million in grants to help them cope with closure-related revenue losses.
  
  • The program will award 1,000 grants of $10,000 each to barbershops and salons that were forced to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Half of the grants will go to businesses in disproportionately impacted areas, with a focus on areas having recently suffered property damage.
  • Businesses must have been operating for at least three months prior to March 2020 and must have brought in less than $500,000 in revenue in 2019.
• Fitness centers will receive $10 million in grants to ensure they can reopen safely as Phase 4 begins today.
  
  • The program will award 500 grants of $20,000 each to facilities that have suffered significant losses due to closure or reduced operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Health or fitness service providers without a permanent location—such as those who deliver remote services or travel to different client locations—are not eligible to receive funds.

Nearly a third of grants will go to facilities in disproportionately impacted areas.

Facilities must have been operating for at least three months prior to March 2020 and must have brought in less than $2 million in revenue in 2019.

Applications for these programs open today, June 26, and are scheduled to remain open for 7-14 days. One week after the application period closes, grant administration partners will begin reaching out to recipients.

 You can consult the full list of eligible expenses at DCEO’s site, linked above. Businesses that have not received other grants and loans will be given priority.

If you have questions about how to apply, or other concerns, you can reach out to my office via email here.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Collins
State Senator, 16th Illinois Senate District