Dear Friend,

It’s hard to believe, but autumn is here! The leaves are changing, cooler weather is rolling in and the holidays are on the horizon.

This month, the General Assembly will return to Springfield for the fall veto session to take up legislation we weren’t able to address earlier this year. I’ll keep you updated on the status of any new laws that could affect our community, and in the meantime, I’ve included news below on a few exciting investments in our area.

My office is here to assist you during this busy time. With questions about state services, legislative matters and more, please do not hesitate to call my office at 773-869-9050 or email us at SenatorTonyMunoz.com/contact-us.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

 

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District

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Back to Business relief program still open for Illinois small businesses

The $250 million B2B program is still open, offering eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses. To qualify, a business must have made $20 million or less in revenue in 2019 and be able to demonstrate a reduction in revenue in 2020. Don’t wait—find a community outreach partner for application support and apply today at Illinois.gov/DCEO. Applications close on Oct. 13.

 

Household assistance available for low-income families

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is providing $327 million to support Illinois’ most vulnerable residents with rent, utilities, food and other household expenses, regardless of immigration status. Eligible households are encouraged to apply for the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program and Community Services Block Grant program. More information on the relief programs is available on the DCEO website.

 

Renew professional licenses online

Residents can now renew eligible professional licenses online. In addition, licensees’ renewal deadlines have been extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is encouraging licensees to renew their licenses quickly to avoid a backlog due to the more than 150,000 licenses that are up for renewal. Licenses may be renewed on the IDFPR website.

 

It’s time to get a flu shot

With COVID-19 cases continuing to ravage our community, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot to avoid co-infection with COVID-19 and the flu. Millions of people suffer from the flu every year, and hundreds of thousands are hospitalized while tens of thousands succumb to the virus. People six months and older are recommended to get the seasonal flu vaccine. Check with your health care provider, local health department or area pharmacy to find a flu shot location. More information about influenza can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.dph.illinois.gov.

Dear Friend,

I want to provide you with some resources that will help us transition into the coming months and give relief to our local businesses.

Below, find information on broadband assistance, the Back to Business relief program, and more.

I also want to remind you that while things are slowly opening back up, the pandemic is still something to be taken seriously. I encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask, and if you can, get vaccinated. It’ll be the best shot at ending this pandemic for good!

Sincerely,

 

 

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District

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High-need students and families in Chicago eligible for $500 grant

Students and families experiencing homelessness are eligible for relief through the Chicago Families Forward Fund. Under this program, students in temporary living situations (STLS) eligible for STLS services for the 2021-22 school year are given a one-time $500 microgrant. Payments will be made on a per-student basis. Eligible families may register at www.cps.edu/FamiliesForwardFund by Oct. 1 or pick up a paper registration form at their child’s school.

 

Internet service discounts available for low-income families

More than 1.1 million Illinoisans lack access to at-home internet services, which can be a barrier to education and employment. To help close the digital divide, the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program offers a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible low-income households, plus a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Apply now at FCC.gov/BroadbandBenefit or call 833-511-0311.

 

Grants available for organizations preparing Illinoisans for the workplace

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers grants to community organizations that are modernizing and diversifying apprenticeship opportunities in Illinois. Nonprofits, including colleges and universities, can apply for grant funding to provide pre-apprenticeship skills training that helps underrepresented populations successfully transition into full construction and building apprenticeships. Apply for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program by Oct. 4.

 

Back to Business relief program still open for Illinois small businesses

The $250 million B2B program is now open, offering eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses. To qualify, a business must have made $20 million or less in revenue in 2019 and be able to demonstrate a reduction in revenue in 2020. Don’t wait—find a community outreach partner for application support and apply today at Illinois.gov/DCEO.

 

SBA expands Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to help more businesses

The Small Business Administration has made major updates to its COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to better serve businesses still reeling from the pandemic. The lending cap has been increased to $2 million, funding can be used for more purposes, and a new two-year deferred payment period will give business owners the flexibility they need to recover. Applications are due Dec. 31, 2021. Learn more www.sba.gov/eidl or contact 1-800-659-2955 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Grant program aimed to help Illinois tourism industry bounce back

The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program offers grants of $10,000 - $1 million to help develop and enhance local tourism attractions, like museums, businesses, events, performances and festivals, and bring foot traffic back to Illinois. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. More information is available here.
 

Dear Friend,

 

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Two decades later, it is still difficult for many of us to think about where we were when the towers fell.

 

 

On this solemn day, let’s take a moment to remember the victims and first responders who lost their lives in the attacks, as well as the families, friends and loved ones they left behind.

 

May their memories inspire us to love one another more completely, to come together in times of strife, and to help each other cope, recover and grieve as one American family.

 

In remembrance and gratitude,

 

 

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District

Dear Friend,

Our economy is on the upswing after a difficult year, but we’re far from out of the woods—that’s why Illinois is launching Back to Business (B2B), a new $250 million small business relief program.

Read on for more information about what kinds of businesses are eligible for B2B and how to apply. If you know a small business owner in need, feel free to forward this information to them. You can also direct them to my office at 773-869-9050 or SenatorTonyMunoz.com for assistance.

And there’s something else we can all do to help our small business community bounce back: get vaccinated. It’s key to bringing down our COVID-19 positivity rates and making a full return to the places and activities we enjoyed before the pandemic.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any questions. Let’s keep working together toward a complete recovery!

Sincerely,

Tony Munoz
State Senator | 1st District

What is the Back to Business grant program?

The B2B program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will award eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses in an effort to make up for losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $250 million will be distributed.

Is my business eligible?

In order to qualify for a grant through the B2B program, a business must have made $20 million or less in revenue in 2019 and be able to demonstrate a reduction in revenue in 2020.

How will businesses be selected?

To direct aid where it’s needed most, DCEO will prioritize businesses in the following categories:

• Businesses in particularly hard-hit industries, like hotels, restaurants, retailers, arts organizations, fitness centers and child care providers
• Businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas
• Businesses that have not received funding through other state and federal relief programs
• Businesses that brought in $5 million or less in revenue in 2019

When and how can I apply?

The B2B application portal will open Wednesday, Aug. 18 on DCEO’s website at Illinois.gov/DCEO.

In the meantime, business owners are encouraged to review the program requirements and gather any required documentation. DCEO will also be hosting informational webinars Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. to walk interested candidates through the application process.

A variety of local and state organizations are offering assistance to small businesses looking to apply for grants through B2B. A full, searchable list of these program partners is available here.

I encourage interested small business owners to explore the program and see if their business may be eligible for aid. As always, my office can point you in the direction of helpful resources to make the application process smoother—simply contact us at 773-869-9050 or SenatorTonyMunoz.com.

Other opportunities you may be interested in…

Grants available for organizations preparing Illinoisans for the workplace

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Apprenticeship Expansion Program are offering grants to community organizations that are modernizing and diversifying apprenticeship opportunities in Illinois.

• Apply for the Apprenticeship Expansion Program grants by Aug. 24.
• Apply for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program grants by Oct. 4.

Student loan payment freeze extended through January 2022

The federal government has extended the pause on student loan payments an additional four months, to Jan. 31, 2022, to give borrowers more time to recover from pandemic-related job and income losses. This is great news for the 36 million Americans struggling with federal student loan debt. For more information, contact your loan servicer or visit www.studentaid.gov.

Nearly all local governments eligible for funding to support public parks

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program helps cover the cost of renovations, expansions and new development of public parks. Local governments can use grant funding to build playgrounds, sports courts and fields, swimming pools, campgrounds, winter sports facilities, restrooms, and more. Apply by Sept. 1 at www.dnr.illinois.gov.