Yingling-Backed Law will Provide Financial Relief to Small Businesses

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – As part of his efforts to support small businesses that have been harmed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, helped pass legislation that would allow local governments to waive fees on businesses that have experienced financial loss due to the pandemic.

“After a year filled with hardship and challenges, small businesses need as much relief as possible,” said Yingling. “Government needs to be giving economic support to businesses, not further adding to the financial challenges they are facing, and now local governments will have an avenue to provide relief to businesses.”                                 

Yingling voted in favor of House Bill 2454, bipartisan legislation that was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The new law allows municipal and county governments to waive any costs related to business applications, permits, fees, and licensing for businesses that can show they have faced financial or logistical hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This session, Yingling also voted for legislation expanding the Back to Business Grant program, which provides monetary support to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also voted to allow certain businesses to circumnavigate the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, cutting their tax bill.

“As someone who grew working in my family’s small business, I know the value that local businesses bring to their community,” said Yingling. “No business deserves to have to their doors shut because of a situation beyond their control, and I will continue to work to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep businesses open.”