Rep. Delia C. Ramirez Works for COVID-19 Relief, Affordable Healthcare, Property Tax Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Delia C. Ramirez, D-Chicago, released the following statement at the adjournment of a special legislative session in which she worked to provide necessary resources for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The recent COVID-19 outbreak has made a significant negative impact on our community, and limiting its effects is my first priority. Whether by passing a bipartisan balanced budget that continues to support crucial services, adding new protections and benefits for essential workers or expanding secure ‘vote by mail’ procedures, what we have accomplished this session will help return Illinois to normal operation safely and quickly.

“As difficult as these times are, they once again bring the importance of the dedicated men and women in our health care community into focus. They are putting their lives on the line every day to help us weather this crisis, and they deserve our gratitude and our support. Unfortunately, this outbreak has also made the need for reforms to our health insurance very clear. Across the state, families touched by this disease are being forced to pay exorbitant bills even as the main earners in the household lose their jobs and their insurance. This session, I worked with my colleagues to pass legislation curtailing insurance costs so all Illinoisans can afford the help they need.

“Small businesses facing economic strain, newly-unemployed workers, and homeowners dealing with other economic obstacles are all still overburdened by too-high property taxes. During these difficult times, the last thing low-income Illinoisans need is huge property taxes eating into their incomes. This week, we passed support for property taxpayers by suspending late payment penalties. As this pandemic poses significant problems for older adults, we also created a one-year application deferral for seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities.

“Now more than ever, I am committed to staying in touch with the needs and priorities of my community. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at 773-799-8219 or info@repdeliaramirez.com.”​