Reps. Schneider, Underwood Address Federal Coronavirus Challenges

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Above: Schneider discusses the HEROES Act, which would invest nearly $20 billion in Illinois in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. On left, Waukegan mayor Sam Cunningham.

WAUKEGAN – Today, Congressmen Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) held a joint press conference on Thursday, July 16 to update Illinois on the Federal Coronavirus response. The press conference follows Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and community leaders across the state callingv for the Illinois congressional delegation to throw out a lifeline of federal emergency funding to recover from the Covid-19 outbreak, its economic consequences and to prepare for a resurgence of the virus.

Audio of the press conference can be found here.

"Yesterday, Mayor Lightfoot and other community leaders sent us a letter. Mayor Lightfoot called on her Congress to get to work for cities, and we're here to say that we're working for Chicago. We're working for the people of Illinois. And we're working to fight this virus. The HEROES Act that we passed two months ago would send more checks, extend unemployment aid, and form State and Local Coronavirus Relief Funds to help out Illinois and cities like Chicago and Waukegan," said Schneider.

"During my Coronavirus Impact Tour, I've seen the true strength and resiliency of Illinoisans. Essential workers are risking their lives; small businesses are fighting tooth-and-nail to stay afloat for their communities; educators and parents are changing how they're meeting the needs of students under unbelievably difficult circumstances that no one prepared them for. I conclude this tour inspired by our community. I have a renewed sense of urgency to bring additional federal resources and help to the Fourteenth District, and I look forward to continuing these meetings to ensure our community is supported through this difficult time," said Underwood.

More than two months ago, on May 15, the House passed The HEROES Act, which would form State and Local Coronavirus Relief Funds to be used for COVID-related expenses. Specifically, it included $500 billion for states and $375 billion for local governments. Appropriations Committee analysts estimate that Illinois would receive $9.6 billion in fiscal year 2020 and another $8.2 billion in fiscal year 2021. Waukegan specifically would receive nearly $60 million. The HEORES funding is more flexible than CARES in that it would allow funds to be used for lost revenue. The HEROES Act includes Schneider's bill, the Supporting State and Local Leaders Act, which would help states and local governments by allowing public employers the same tax credit provided to the private sector for paid leave. The HEROES Act also include Schneider's bill to create a Supply Chain Czar to prevent the kinds of problems we are seeing today with PPE and testing and tomorrow with a potential vaccination.

Last week, Schneider introduced the bipartisan PREPARE Act with Republican Congressman John Katko (NY-23). The Act would require the federal government to report to Congress on their preparation planning to address the effects of a potential COVID-19 resurgence.

Doctors and nurses are warning of more protective gear shortages, as PPE supply chains falter. Yesterday, experts noted that our nation's testing capacity is on "the brink of paralysis." States like Florida and Texas are facing shortages of ICU beds.

The Members of Congress were joined by City of Waukegan Mayor Samuel Cunningham, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, and Waukegan Fire Chief George Bridges.