Hernandez Measure to Secure Aid for Businesses Impacted by Economic Disruptions Passes House Vote

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, passed legislation out of the House on Thursday that would study how the state can best secure and deploy economic resources to small businesses that have struggled to bounce back from economic disruptions such as those caused by federal immigration operations. 

“Communities continue to recover from the devastation that the federal immigration raids during Operation Midway Blitz have left behind,” Hernandez said. “Many businesses have lost employees and foot traffic, and they need our help to not only recover from the trauma they’ve been subjected to but to also prepare for any future economic disruptions. This legislation will help us do exactly that and fulfill our promise to keep communities safe.”

Hernandez’s House Bill 5263 would create the Economic Stabilization and Resilience Commission Act which will study and develop recommendations for how the state can best rapidly respond to business disruptions such as those caused by federal immigration enforcement operations. The commission would be required to deliver a report of their findings to the governor and legislature no later than Dec. 31, 2027. 

In the wake of Operation Midway Blitz, many businesses in areas such as Little Village and Cicero saw declining customers at shops, restaurants and local businesses out of fear of arrest or harassment from federal agents. 

House Bill 5263 passed out of the House on Thursday and now awaits consideration in the Senate. 

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.