Vella Bill to Support Small Businesses During Future Emergency Declarations

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In response to many small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, introduced legislation that mandates business interruption insurance to cover future COVID-like events.

“Small businesses are an essential part of our local economy, and the damage that they have had to endure due to the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that we need to do more to support them,” said Vella. “Businesses shouldn’t have to suffer massive losses or permanently close because of circumstances beyond their control.”

Currently, some insurers are refusing to cover losses under business interruption insurance policies because of government-mandated business closures. To ensure that businesses are protected in the future, Vella introduced House Bill 3148, which directs companies offering business interruption insurance to have their plans cover losses stemming from business interruptions resulting from a forced closure of businesses during a period of a declared emergency by law or government order.

As a small business owner, Vella has worked on supporting small businesses since becoming a state representative. Recently, he introduced legislation creating state and local tax credits for small businesses that create jobs in Illinois.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous struggle for business owners across our state and it’s important that we find ways to support them,” said Vella. “It is unacceptable to force businesses that offer so much to our communities to bear this financial burden alone. We must ensure that businesses have the support they deserve, and this legislation is a step in the right direction towards that goal.”