Crespo Appointed to Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – As Illinois moves toward Phase 4 of its reopening plan, state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, has been appointed to the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission to provide guidance to Gov. J.B. Pritzker on safely rebuilding the state’s economy amid steady decreases in COVID-19 cases.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated businesses across Illinois,” said Crespo. “Our state is hurting and we need to take action now to restore our economy while implementing appropriate safety measures to keep both consumers and our workforce healthy.”

Last week, Crespo was appointed to the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission to advise the governor on reopening the state. The bipartisan commission consists of 14 members from both the House and Senate, and is tasked with sending suggestions to the governor every 30 days. The first report is due on July 1.

Crespo has been a strong advocate for businesses and workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and has proactively taken steps to help Illinois safely reopen as cases of the virus begin to decline. Crespo recently urged the governor to expand capacities for meetings and events to benefit hospitality industry stakeholders and employees, and has adamantly pushed for quicker processing of unemployment claims to ensure residents are able to make ends meet. During this year’s special session, Crespo also helped secure over $40 million for job training and full funding of unemployment insurance, and backed additional measures to expand unemployment benefits for laid off and furloughed workers.  

“As I talk to business owners and stakeholders throughout our community about the struggles they face in the wake of this pandemic, it is clear that we must keep Illinois moving forward in order to save our economy and help businesses and working families get back on their feet,” said Crespo. “I look forward to discussing the ways that we can safely recover Illinois’ economy and help put residents back to work.”