Dear Neighbors,
Governor. J.B. Pritzker has ordered all bars and restaurants closed to in-person dining from the close of business Monday until March 31.
Read the press release
.
Delivery, drive-through, and curbside pickup from restaurants will still be available.
To support our local economy, please call restaurants directly and order from them.
Mayor Lightfoot said, "St. Patrick's Day . . . must be different this year for everyone's safety. Stay home."
Governor Pritzker announced, “I tried earlier this week to appeal to everyone’s good judgment to stay home, to avoid bars, not to congregate in crowds. It’s unfortunate that many people didn’t take that seriously. The time for persuasion and public appeals is over,” he said. “The time for action is here. This is not a joke. No one is immune to this, and you have an obligation to act in the best interests of all the people in this state.”
I'm proud of our many establishments who observed strict cleanliness and capacity restraints voluntarily to maintain social distance guidelines. Please continue to support them during this time.
Food Security for Everyone
The state is quite confident that supplies of foods and needed dry goods will be available throughout the next weeks - if people do not act selfishly. "Please do not hoard food - buy what you need," Governor Pritzker said.
Chicago Public school students will be able to pick up a package with three days worth of breakfast and lunch for each child in their household
starting Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents and children can go to any school and all are eligible to get the food, whether or not the student qualifies for reduced or free lunch. Lunchroom staff will prep, bag, and provide meals outside of the school building. If you have questions, please email
familyservices@cps.edu.
Advice for Employers
Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), announced that it was "currently working with other stakeholders to explore all possible avenues of economic and regulatory relief for our industry in the days and weeks ahead." The
Illinois Hospitality Industry is calling for the state to allow businesses to delay payment of this quarter's city and state taxes.
The hospitality industry is the largest business in the 43rd Ward. It's important that we all pull together to support the many small and family businesses that make up our local restaurant scene. Here is
information
to support small businesses. I will be working hard to identify ways to help the industry and the people who work in restaurants and bars.
During this crisis,
we hope that everyone will call their favorite local restaurant and order in.
Election Update
Early voting hours on Monday, March 16th:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except at six "permanent sites" in Chicago, which are open until 7:00 PM)
Election Day Polling Places will open at 6 AM. The weather will be predicted to be warm enough to queue outside to prevent too many voters to be in polling places at one time. I'm sure the election judges will make arrangements to help with seats outside as needed.
Some polling places may yet change. We will keep you updated by this newsletter as soon as we receive information. Feel free to call my office at 773-348-9500 and check before you head to the polls. If you need a ride to the polls, call my office at 773-348-9500 and we will arrange a ride for you.
Volunteer: Be a Replacement Election Judge
Many election judges are seniors who may be uncomfortable serving as an election judge. If you are available Election Day, and over the age of 17 you can volunteer right now to serve as a replacement Election Judge (poll worker) to help staff the precincts at any sites that may need help on Tuesday.
Serving as an Election Judge is a rewarding experience, where you will be helping fellow citizens exercise the right to vote. Election Judges who serve will be paid $170.
Judges will be following very enhanced cleanliness and disinfection protocols at the polls to protect the election judges.
WHAT DOES AN ELECTION JUDGE DO?
This role requires that you:
- Watch your email and answer your phone from when you sign-up through Tuesday, March 17 for an assignment.
- Study the Election Judge handbook and watch the training videos that the Chicago Election Board is providing. The handbook can be found at: https://chicagoelections.gov/en/serving-as-a-judge-of-election.html. Instructional videos will be available at this site beginning late Friday.
- Arrive at your assigned polling place promptly at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
- Set up the voting equipment.
- Open the polls at 6:00 a.m.
- Check in voters and issue ballots throughout the day until polls close at 7:00 p.m.
- Remain until approximately 7:30 p.m. or later until paperwork is complete.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
In order to volunteer as an Election Judge, we ask that you please do the following:
- Sign-up online at: https://chicagoelections.gov/en/serving-as-a-judge-of-election.html and click on Volunteer to be a Replacement / Standby Election Judge here!
- Then check your emails and answer your phone through Tuesday, March 17 for an assignment.
- If assigned before Election Day, be ready to report to that polling place by 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Please note: Replacement Election Judges, also called “Standby Judges”, do NOT have any designated party affiliation!
Thank you in advance for your service and dedication to the vital democracy in Chicago.
