The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association has been communicating directly with manufacturers across Illinois as the situation changes and will continue posting resources online at the IMA’s dedicated page
www.ima-net.org/covid-19/
.
Late this afternoon, the Unites States Senate took the first steps for another economic stimulus package (Phase 3.5) that adds another $484 billion in funding, including an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Plan with $60 billion set aside for small businesses. Hospitals will receive $75 billion and a national testing program will operate.
While the curve is bending, Governor Pritzker plans to extend the stay-at-home order and there will not be a mass opening of businesses on May 1 as is occurring in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
In a discussion with the Governor’s office today, it appears as if the Administration is looking to further tighten or restrict manufacturing activity that could force additional manufacturing operations to shutter
. The IMA is strongly opposed to suggested changes and will continue advocating to the Administration. More information will be forthcoming soon.
The Illinois peak of infection, once predicted to hit in late April, has now been extended to May.
Daily COVID-19 Results
Governor JB Pritzker held his daily press conference and announced:
- There are 1,551 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois.
- There are a total of 1,468 deaths related to coronavirus in Illinois, including 59 additional deaths announced today.
- A total of 33,059 cases have been confirmed in at least 95 of the 102 counties.
- There have been 154,997 individuals tested for coronavirus in Illinois.
Press Conference Key Updates
- The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has secured loan relief for individuals with private student loans in the same manner that the CARES Act provided relief for federal student loan borrowers. The new benefits will allow private student loan borrowers from 20 different providers to request a 90 day forbearance, have late fees waived, and have debt collection lawsuits paused for 90 days, as well as other benefits. The Governor urged student loan borrowers to contact their providers for more information or visit coronavirus.illinois.gov
- The Governor also announced that the Department of Human Services (IDHS) has received an additional $112 million for food assistance for SNAP recipients and for families with children who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Employer Resources & Programs
