Newsletter: News from the Tenth District - Coronavirus Updates
I hope as the calendar turns to May you and your families continue to be healthy and well.
Let me start by thanking everyone who noticed my "Freudian slip" typo in last week's newsletter. While it might feel like we've been at home for five months, it's actually been five (now six) weeks since Governor Pritzker issued the first executive order. Today, May 1, a new order takes effect, including among other things some opening of local business and parks, and requirements to wear masks in public places where social distancing cannot be maintained.
In this week's newsletter, I want to share updates on two key priorities. First, I introduced new legislation on Tuesday to help our state and local governments who have been stretched thin by the crisis. Second, I am still advocating for small businesses who were left behind by the Administration's uneven disbursement of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding.
I am also looking forward to two opportunities to connect with local residents and answer your questions:
- Today, at noon, I'll be answering questions live on our Facebook page
- Next Thursday, May 7, I'll be hosting our next telephone town hall, beginning a bit earlier than normal at 4:50pm
Details on how to join each of these events are included below. I hope you can participate in one or both!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Bipartisan Budget Relief for States and Localities
Our state and local governments are on the front lines of this crisis, and they are being stretched thin. During this pandemic, it's important that the federal government provide support that helps ensure the first responders, emergency services, and so many other essential workers that keep our communities running can stay on the job.
This week I introduced a bill that would make public employers eligible for the same payroll tax credits covering emergency paid leave that private employers received in the second coronavirus package passed by Congress.
This is a straightforward and bipartisan way to provide relief to overstretched state and local budgets. I was proud to introduce with more than 100 co-sponsors, including a dozen GOP members, and we're working to include this legislation in the next coronavirus package passed by Congress.
Advocating for Small Businesses
Like you, I've been infuriated by the stories of large, publicly traded companies securing loans meant for small, main street businesses. So when Congress voted to pass additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program last month, we worked to hold the Administration accountable and ensure these funds would be directed to the smaller businesses who need our aid.
To highlight some of the challenges facing both borrowers and lenders, I hosted a conference call on Wednesday with three small businesses and representatives from the community bankers to share their experiences applying for these loans. Read coverage in the Lake County News-Sun.
I was there pleased as we received some encouraging data from SBA:
- the average loan size for the second round of PPP funding is currently at $111,000 (as compared to the first-round average of $206,000), meaning more funding is going to smaller businesses
- a majority of the loans in this group have been made by community-based lenders, or small to medium sized financial institutions
While there has been improvement, far more needs to be done to reach all those businesses severely affected by the pandemic. Too many small businesses are still waiting for answers on both PPP and EIDL – and this uncertainty can be crushing, both financially and emotionally .
Additionally, too many businesses who received loans are unsure whether or not to actually the funds because we don't have clear guidelines on how to ensure qualification for forgiveness. The Trump Administration—SBA and Treasury—owes it to the American people to do fix the systems and close the still quite large gaps in administering these programs.
TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT
Today (Friday, May 1), I'm hosting a Facebook Live Q&A session at 12:00pm CT. I'll be answering questions that we've received over the past week and in the comments, and hope you can join us!
I'm hosting our next Telephone Town Hall on Thursday, May 7, beginning at 4:50pm CT. I am happy to again provide simultaneous Spanish translation so that more people in our community can participate. To join the call, either:
- Sign-up ahead of time (recommended) to receive a call using the form on schneider.house.gov/live
or - Participate the day of by dialing-in at 855-859-7337 on Thursday evening. (855-962-1312 para español)
La reunión telefónica del Congresista Brad Schneider va a ofrecer interpretación simultánea para personas que hablan español. Para participar en español participantes pueden registrarse en el sitio /live y apretar *0 después de unirse a la llamada. Otra alternativa para participantes que quieren escuchar la llamada en español es marcar 855-962-1312 a las 4:50pm CT, el jueves 7 de mayo para conectarse directamente a la llamada en español.
COLLECTING THANK YOU NOTES FOR FRONT LINE WORKERS
We received this note from Isabella, age 5, from Glenview!
We've received so many thank you notes to our front line workers. Thanks to all who have participated. I am still inviting constituents of all ages to create and submit notes via an online portal for workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we work to lower the curve of the virus in Illinois by practicing social distancing and staying home, there remain thousands of people in essential roles unable to do so. From health care workers and first responders to delivery drivers, grocery staff and more, these essential workers are working every day to keep our community safe and healthy. We all owe them all an immense thank you.
Children are invited to participate as well by writing notes or uploading a drawing to show their thanks. We will distribute the submissions virtually.
More information on our website.
GOOD NEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITIES
Finally, I want to end the newsletter sharing some of many instances of our communities overcoming and adapting to the virus. Here are some of the stories that brought a smile to my face this week:
- Daily Herald, Waukegan organization pays it forward by donating masks to first responders
- Lake County Journal,Mundelein business donates pizzas to medical center staff
- Lake County News-Sun, Online exercise classes give Lake County residents ‘a little sense of normalcy'
- Daily Herald, Buffalo Grove teacher wins national art leadership award
And lastly, for those Rolling Stones fans, more than 55 years after releasing their first album, the iconic band released a new song "Living in a Ghost Town" reflective of our current times.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Stay safe, stay strong and stay healthy