SPRINGFIELD – In the wake of an increase in COVID-19 tragedies, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) reminds low-income families that the Department of Human Services offers support for funeral and burial costs.

“My heart goes out to those who have lost a family member or loved one during this tragic time,” Lightford said. “I continue to stress that those who are healthy need to stay home to protect our healthcare workers, essential workers and most vulnerable people.”

People who were receiving certain assistance programs qualify for IDHS’s funeral and burial program if a person's resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates. The qualifying assistance programs are: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Cash, Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash, All Kids Assist, Parent/All Kids Assist, All Kids Moms & Babies, Family Assist, AABD Medical and General Assistance Foster Care/Adoption Care.

“Our state has taken significant measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis to save as many lives as possible,” Lightford said. “Unfortunately, the reality of this virus is that people are going to succumb to it, and it is important for low-income families to know there is help for burial and funeral costs.”

Application forms are available on the IDHS website and should be mailed to the IDPH Funeral and Burial Unit. For more information visit the IDHS website or call (217) 785-4216.

Chicago magazine recently announced their list of Chicago's Most Powerful Women, which included Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) at number 30.

Here's what Chicago magazine said about Lightford:

"Last year, the majority leader (who this year made an unsuccessful but profile-boosting bid to become Senate president) embraced colleagues on the floor in celebration. Her bill to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 — the culmination of a fight she’s been leading for a decade — had passed. Now she’s got her sights set on funding early childhood education."

The post can be found here: http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/May-2020/Women-Power-50/Kimberly-Lightford/

Updates

• Stay at Home order extended until May 30.
• Illinois Department of Public Health:
  • The latest on the coronavirus in Illinois: coronavirus.illinois.gov
  • Requests increase reporting of bed availability https://bit.ly/3aDJuPe
  • Recommendations for pregnant mothers and newborns https://bit.ly/2UUgKuV
  • Guidance in grocery stores https://bit.ly/3dOEjhk
• Illinois Department of Employment Security
  • Federal Stimulus Package https://bit.ly/2Jwn4nb
  • Illinois Specific Breakdown https://bit.ly/342xvbv
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) https://bit.ly/3aAAWZD
  • Outpatient Settings: FAQs and Considerations https://bit.ly/2waDwGQ
  • Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Requirements and Implications Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://bit.ly/2yrXxJJ
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs): FAQs, Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement, Limits to Visitation and Availability of 1135 waivers. https://bit.ly/39E8uVb
  • COVID-19 guidance in dialysis facilities https://bit.ly/2UxNHP2
• Illinois Department of Transportation message on COVID-19: http://www.idot.illinois.gov/covid19
  • Roads and bridges are open and will stay open
  • Construction projects will remain on schedule
• Cook County Taxes, Fines and Fees Relief Package https://bit.ly/2xLjrY5
  • Home Rule Taxes: The filing date has been extended to May 1, 2020 for the February and March 2020 tax periods. No penalties or interest will be applied during this extension period
  • Liquor Licenses: Unincorporated Cook County Liquor Licenses expiring April 30, 2020 will be extended until July 31, 2020.
  • Transportation and Highways:
    • Any Right of Way (ROW) Violations will be waived, and only warnings will be issued, through April 30, 2020.
    • Permit fees for any entity seeking a County Highways ROW Permit, excluding utility companies, will be waived through April 30, 2020.
  • Contract Compliance—Certifications Extended:
    • All currently certified Minority/Women/Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran/Person with Disability owned businesses have the option of having their 2020 renewal dates extended automatically by 6 months with recertification fees waived.
    • Those businesses whose renewal date is in April, May, June and July of 2020 will automatically be extended for 6 months.
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • COVID-19 Daily FAQ https://bit.ly/3aMgl4o
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Updates https://bit.ly/3dNNGxS
  • Updates on cannabis application information
  • Solid Mosquito Larvicide Training
  • Winter Blend Fuel Waiver
  • Egg Packaging
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum E-newsletter https://bit.ly/2X0Zp6c

Health and Safety Resources

• CDC Coronavirus information (https://bit.ly/2VF4twa) –The CDC announced six new symptoms, including chills, repeated shaking with chills and muscle pain. The CDC recently noted fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing were symptoms of COVID-19.Coronavirus hotline (bit.ly/ilcoronavirushotline) – Call the Illinois Department of Public Health Coronavirus Hotline with questions. Health professionals can also use it to report suspected COVID-19 cases: 1-800-889-3931.
• IDOC COVID-19 Support Line—The Department of Corrections has established a support line for questions regarding COVID-19. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM at 217-558-2200 ext. 7700. Questions can also be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Insurance questions (bit.ly/ilinsurancequestions) – Dial the Illinois Department of Insurance’s hotline for your COVID-19-related insurance questions: (877) 527-9431.
• Telemedicine (bit.ly/iltelemedicine) – The state has relaxed rules about the use of telephone and video chat for the delivery of medical advice. If you have private insurance or Medicaid, you may qualify.
• Mental health help— To access the statewide telehealth programs and the mental health hotline, text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0.
• Senior grocery store hours (bit.ly/ilseniorshopping) – Many grocery stores are offering special hours for seniors and high-risk individuals.
• Severe weather resources (bit.ly/ilseverewx) – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and National Weather Service are developing guidelines for severe weather. Check that your community shelter is open on IEMA’s website before you head there to take cover.

Resources for families

• Expanded unemployment benefits (bit.ly/ilunemploymentbenefits) – IDES has expanded unemployment benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs temporarily or permanently due to coronavirus. This includes employees who must isolate themselves but who do not have paid medical leave. It does not include anyone who voluntarily quits for any reason – including to care for their children. For more information call 1-800-244-5631 or visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security's website (https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/default.aspx).
• Tax deadline extended (bit.ly/iltaxdeadline) – Illinois income tax filing deadline has been pushed back to July 15, to correspond with the extended federal deadline.
• Employee workplace rights complaints: (844) 740-5076 or submit a complaint online: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/labor_employ.html
• Resources for people with disabilities: visit www.DDD.Illinois.gov.
• Consumer guidance on debts due and regulated financial sectors: https://www.idfpr.com/News/2020/2020%2003%2030%20IDFPR%20financial%20guidance.pdf
• Airbnb Housing opportunities for first responders and medical professionals: https://bit.ly/3eCCmoL
• For insurance coverage guidance from the Department of Insurance: https://insurance.illinois.gov/healthInsurance/COVID-19.html
• Medication Affordability Assistance: visit: https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/
• Moratorium on evictions (bit.ly/ilevictionmoratorium)– Effective March 21-April 30.
• Moratorium on vehicle repossessions (bit.ly/ilrepomoratorium) – Effective during the governor’s disaster declaration.
• Moratorium on HUD-insured mortgage foreclosures and evictions (bit.ly/hudmortgagemoratorium) – In place through April 30. Only applies to single-family homes.
• FannieMae mortgage assistance (bit.ly/fanniemaeassistance) – FannieMae is offering a 12-month forbearance and other payment options for mortgages it services.
• Freddie Mac mortgage assistance (bit.ly/freddiemacassistance) – Freddie Mac is halting all foreclosures and evictions on loans it services until at least May 17. It is also offering 12-month forbearances and other payment options.
• Childcare assistance locator (bit.ly/childcareassistancelocator) – With many child care centers closed, essential workers may need to locate new providers. There is also a toll-free helpline available at 888-228-1146.
• Student loan collections (bit.ly/studentloaninterestpdf) – The federal government has reduced interest rates to 0% and suspended collections until September 30. https://www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch
• •Determine the types of federal loans you have and who your servicers are by visiting the Department of Education’s National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at nslds.ed.gov or call the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or 1-800-730-8913 (TDD). Borrowers with private student loans can check the contact information on their monthly billing statements.
• File complaint about lenders. If you are having trouble with your lender, you can file a complaint.
  • IDPFR Division of Banking 217-785-2900 for information or to file a complaint with IDFPR:
    https://www.idfpr.com/admin/banks/DoBcomplaints.asp
  • Attorney General’s Student Loan Helpline at 1-800-455-2456 or file a complaint with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/filecomplaint.html
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
• Reporting price gouging and scams (bit.ly/ilattorneygeneral) – The attorney general’s office is investigating reports of price gouging: https://ccformsubmission.ilattorneygeneral.net/
• Utilities (bit.ly/utilitiesil) – The ICC has banned disconnections during the crisis and assessing late fees through at least May 1. Some internet service providers have also made accommodations:
  • Xfinity/Comcast (comcast/xfinityassistance) – Disconnections are suspended through at least May 1. New late fees will also be waived and data caps lifted. Its Wi-fi hotspots will be made available to the public for free, and it is offered new $10/month plans for new customers.
  • AT&T (soc.att.com/attcovid19) – See Xfinity/Comcast. It is offering roughly the same benefits.
  • Spectrum Internet (bit.ly/spectrumcovid19) – Offering free internet for two months to new customers with K-12 or college students. Its Wi-fi hotspots will be made available to the public for free.
  • Viasat Internet (https://corpblog.viasat.com/covid-19/) – Similar to Comcast and AT&T but not offering new plans.
  • Civil legal aid (Bit.ly/ilcivillegalaid) – Families experiencing legal issues who cannot afford an attorney may be able to find help.
    Closures

Businesses

• Dentists (Bit.ly/ildentists) – The Illinois Dental Association recommends members cancel all non-emergency appointments through April 30.
• Restaurants (bit.ly/ilrestaurants) – Ordered not to have dine-in guests through April 30. Delivery, curbside pick-up and drive-through sales are still allowed. Carry out is permitted if social distancing is practiced.
• Bars (bit.ly/illinoisbars) – Ordered closed through April 30. Some breweries and wineries are seeking opportunities to continue sales of closed liquor packages (bottles of wine, cans of beer, etc.).
• Events (bit.ly/illinoisevents) – Events that serve more than 10 people or occur in a non-essential setting are banned March 21-April 30. Events serving more than 50 people banned from March 18. Events serving more than 1,000 people were banned from March 12 to April 11. FAQ about the stay-at-home order are available here: bit.ly/ilstayathomefaqs

Education

• Public schools (bit.ly/ilschools) – Ordered closed through April 30. Grab-and-go meals are available for students who need them statewide, and some schools are even offering delivery. Many restaurants are also offering free meals to children who need them. CPS is offering free boxes of food with three days' worth of meals for every child in a household available for pick up on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Private schools (bit.ly/ilprivateschools) – Ordered closed through April 30.
• Most colleges and universities (including all state public universities) (bit.ly/ilcolleges) – All in-person classes canceled.

Government services

• Driver’s services facilities (bit.ly/ildmv) – Closed through April 30. Any licenses, IDs, registrations that expire during this period are automatically extended by 30 days. The federal government also extended the deadline to begin requiring a REAL ID or passport to board a plane, originally set for October 1, 2020.
• Vehicle emissions testing stations (bit.ly/ilemissionstest) – Closed through April 30. Due dates for inspections are extended in relation with vehicle registration extensions.
• Family and Community Resource Centers (bit.ly/ildhsfcrc) – All but 14 of the IDHS FCRCs are closed, where people can apply for SNAP and other need-based assistance. Waits may be longer than usual for guests who visit in person. Online applications (bit.ly/ilfcrcapp) will still be processed, and IDHS’s call center is still open: 1-800-843-6154.
• Department of Rehabilitation Services local offices (bit.ly/ilrehabservices) – Closed starting March 19. Online applications are still being accepted: DRS.illinois.gov/apply.
• Cook County circuit trials (bit.ly/cookcountytrials) – Most trials postponed through April 17. Other jurisdictions, including Lake and DuPage Counties are taking similar steps.

Help for struggling nonprofit organizations and businesses

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): The program is replenished. It is a loan to provide incentive for small businesses to keep workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. Apply here: https://bit.ly/PPPLoans.
• Nicor Gas offering help to nonprofit organizations:
  • Submit a contribution request through their website: https://www.nicorgas.com/company/about-us/philanthropy/charitable-giving.html.
    • A brief background of the organization (two pages or less) and its Board membership list.
    • The organization's mission statement.
    • A legible and most recent copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt letter.
    • A clear statement of the project for which funds are needed.
    • The amount the organization requests for the project.
    • Sources of other support for the project and current financial statement of the organization.
• Illinois Small Business Emergency Loans (https://bit.ly/bizloanfund) – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation established the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund to offer low-interest loans of up to $50,000 to struggling small businesses. Chicago is offering a similar program (bit.ly/chibizresiliencyfund) for businesses located in the city.
• Small business loans (bit.ly/ussmallbizloan) – The U.S. Small Business Administration is extending assistance loans to struggling businesses.
• Small business disaster assistance loans (bit.ly/bizdisasterassistance) – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million.
• Low-interest loans (bit.ly/lowinterestloan) – Backed by the Illinois treasury, banks and credit unions throughout Illinois are offering low-interest loans to businesses that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Sales tax deferment (bit.ly/salestaxdeferment)– Small- and mid-sized restaurants and bars will be able to defer sales tax payments for February, March, and April.
• Cannabis business license applications (bit.ly/cannabislicenseapps) – IDFPR is accepting applications through certified mail, rather than in person.
• Automatic license extensions (bit.ly/IDFPRlicenses) – IDFPR is automatically renewing all licenses that would normally expire between March 1 and July 31 until September 30. Continuing education that would normally be required to be completed in person can also be done online. The governor has issued executive orders that provide similar opportunities to cannabis businesses, private security and fingerprint vendors.
• Online massage therapy and cosmetology school courses (bit.ly/ilmassagecosmetology) – IDFPR is allowing these schools to offer more than 10% of their courses online until July 31.
• Expedited Critical Access Pharmacy Payments (bit.ly/ilpharmacypayments) – Comptroller Susana Mendoza expedited payments to pharmacies in underserved rural communities.
• Online notary services (bit.ly/ilnotary) – Notaries are allowed to work online using two-way videos while the governor’s disaster declaration is in effect.

How you can help

• Volunteering (https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/serve/Pages/default.aspx)– Volunteers are needed during the pandemic. Serve Illinois is working to connect volunteers to organizations that need help.
• Blood donation (https://www.redcross.org/) – The crisis has caused many blood drives to be cancelled, so there is a great need for blood throughout the state. Consider donating to your local blood bank.
• Food bank donations (https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank )– With many people out of work, food banks are seeing a drastic increase in need for food assistance. Consider donating to your local food bank to help struggling families during this difficult time.
• Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (https://www.ilcovidresponsefund.org/) – The state is collecting donations to help Illinois not-for-profits that are serving essential human services needs during the pandemic.
• Former health care professionals (bit.ly/ilformerhealthprofessionals) – Illinois is requesting the help of former health care professionals during this crisis. Licensing requirements have been modified to make returning to the field easier.
• Health care professional notification (https://www.illinoishelps.net/) – The state developed a new website to more easily alert and activate medical professionals in the event of disasters and public health emergencies. All medical professionals are encouraged to register.
• Donations of protective equipment (bit.ly/ilppe) – Illinois is accepting donations of unopened equipment, like masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to ensure adequate supply during shortages.

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader and Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is backing Gov. JB Pritzker’s efforts to expand COVID-19 testing in African-American and other minority communities across Illinois.

“Governor Pritzker’s leadership has been incredible throughout this devastating crisis,” Lightford said. “His announcement today shows his commitment to people from every part of our state, and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will continue to work alongside him to support his efforts.”

When the COVID-19 outbreak started, the ILBC developed concerns about the effects this pandemic would have on Black communities. Those concerns were validated on Monday when Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot brought attention to racial disparities in the number of deaths due to coronavirus, pointing out that 72% of the city’s fatalities were African-Americans. She was one of the first government leaders to address the “death gap,” a topic now being discussed across the nation and world.

“I was floored by Mayor Lightfoot’s data,” Lightford said. “I knew the disparities were there, but when they are reflected in number of deaths, it is never easy to digest. I am grateful for Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership in responding to this pandemic, and for taking action to address health care disparities.”