Moylan Supports Local Businesses, Highlights Resources Available During Coronavirus Crisis

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Concerned about the well-being of local businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is encouraging business leaders to check out resources available to provide financial assistance and other help.

“During these trying times we all have to look out for one another, and that includes the small business owners of our communities,” Moylan said. “The statewide precautions currently in place protect the health and safety of residents, yet they do have some adverse economic effects.”

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, several resources have been made available to small business owners and employees for economic assistance. The Small Business Administration has made disaster loans available to business owners. These loans can provide up to $2 million in assistance for eligible businesses to pay their bills during the COVID-19 crisis. Additional information can be found at https://disasterloan.sba.gov.

The Illinois Retail Merchants Association is identifying resources for businesses, available at https://irma.org/covid-19/. Likewise, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is providing resources for businesses at https://ima-net.org/covid-19/.

Other attempts to mitigate the economic impact of the situation include expanded unemployment benefits for any employees out of work because of the pandemic, as well as a moratorium on utility shutoffs.

“Supporting local businesses and each other is how we are going to make it through this crisis,” Moylan said. “We must continue to follow the precautions put in place to save lives, and use these critical resources to maintain economic stability as best we can.”

Residents with concerns about COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV. To stay up to date with all new information about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.