Kifowit Works to Implement Federal Stimulus Package for State, Local Governments

AURORA, Ill. – Focused on successfully implementing the CARES Act at the state level, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is continuing to work with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a budget plan that will disperse the federal stimulus package as effectively as possible and meet the needs of the state of Illinois.

“We are continuously given comprehensive updates on what funding we should expect from the federal government and how to prioritize the needs of state and local governments,” said Kifowit. “We must keep in mind that our state might only receive funding toward the end of April or May the is designated in the CARES Act.”

Kifowit, a member of the Illinois House Budget Working Group, recently participated in a bi-partisan, bi-cameral online budget meeting with state officials from the Governor’s Office of Management, Budget and Operations to discuss funding that is going to be given to the state through the federal CARES act.

At a recent press conference, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that Illinois will likely receive about $5 billion from the federal stimulus package. About $2.7 billion will be given directly to the state and $2.2 billion would be distributed to local units of government. $569 million will be given to state K-12 schools while higher education institutions can apply directly to the federal government for a portion to help cover COVID-19 related expenses and emergency funding.

“At this time it is unknown when we will return to Springfield and continue our legislative session,” said Kifowit. “But when the time comes, my fellow legislators and I have continued to work from home and I expect we will have a plan for achieving a responsible budget for the General Assembly to vote on.”