DEERFIELD — As more parents return to in-office work, they are relying on child care providers — many of which have struggled to keep their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) applauds the Business Interruption Grant program for prioritizing the needs of these facilities. 

“A large number of parents turn to child care providers for help, and if those facilities aren’t open, many families can’t return to work during a time of increased need,” Morrison said. “Child care facilities were some of the hardest hit businesses this year — but also some of the most essential.” 

More than $150 million in grants were awarded to 4,686 child care providers across 95 counties. Nearly half of the funds was given to providers in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19. 

Additional care facilities have continued to face financial hardships, leading the state to open a second round of BIG grants. During the second wave, $114 million will be available for child care centers and family child care homes which are licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services and are currently open. 

Applications for the Child Care Restoration Grants are available until Oct. 15 and can be found here. 

All other businesses can apply for BIG grants here. 

“Any small business in Illinois — no matter the type or location — should take advantage of this program,” Morrison said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and economy, and I hope to see them continue to succeed.” 

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging small businesses continuing to face financial hardships due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Many small business owners continue to struggle, wonder when the pandemic will let up, and worry if their establishment can survive the colder months,” Morrison said. “Any business suffering – from restaurants to movie theatres – should apply for BIG funding as soon as it becomes available Thursday.”
The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, and another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Businesses located in Highwood in the 60040 ZIP code, Wheeling in the 60090 ZIP code and North Chicago in the 60064 ZIP code qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible ZIP codes, click here.

During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. More than 50 business in the district Morrison represents received a combined $870,000.

Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul’s decision to join 18 attorneys general in supporting California’s ban on large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

“There is absolutely no reason an everyday person needs to have possession of large-capacity magazines. The heartbreaking devastation caused by gun violence across the country cannot be overstated and must be put to an end. California’s ban is a great first step toward protecting public safety, and the rest of the country needs to follow suit.

“I thank Attorney General Raoul for his compassion and dedication toward defending this common sense measure to keep communities safe.”

DEERFIELD – In response to the Chicago City Council’s move to ban flavored vaping products across the city, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is calling on lawmakers to follow suit.

Morrison released the following statement Wednesday:

“In every form, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences. Children are being enticed by the creation of sugary flavors, which threatens the progress we have made over the last several decades to reduce tobacco usage among young people.

“I applaud the Chicago City Council for its decision to ban these products. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to take note and to prioritize the passage of a statewide ban during the upcoming legislative session.”

Morrison has been a steadfast supporter of banning flavored tobacco products intentionally being targeted to children with candy-like names. Last fall she filed a measure that would prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

The measure was put on hold to prioritize needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but Morrison plans to reintroduce it during the spring legislative session.