Putting the pandemic behind us

Dear Friend,

I’m excited to give you an important update on our state’s pandemic recovery efforts. Parallel to the rest of the state, Chicago will move into the Bridge Phase of our reopening plan—easing capacity limits and allowing for increased business operations in all industries—starting Friday, May 14.

Although this development comes as a relief to many business owners across the state, some are still struggling to cope with pandemic-related losses. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund is now open, offering aid to eligible restaurants, bars and other food service businesses—find a list of covered costs and apply here. For all other types of businesses, the Paycheck Protection Program has been extended to May 31, 2021.

There’s assistance available for families, too. Eligible households may be able to claim a larger federal child tax credit and receive advanced payments as early as July under the American Rescue Plan. Don’t miss out—file your 2020 income taxes by May 17, even if you have no income to report, to qualify.

We couldn’t have made this progress without the commitment and sacrifice of residents like you. Illinois continues to outpace national vaccination rates, and after an alarming uptick earlier this spring, we’ve been able to contain the spread of COVID-19 thanks to diligent social distancing and mask wearing.

We are so close to the finish line, and we need you to help us keep up the fight against this pandemic. If you haven’t already, get vaccinated (all Illinoisans 16 and up are eligible!) and encourage your family and friends to get their doses, too. To make it even easier to protect yourself against this deadly virus, all state-run sites and many private providers are now accepting walk-ins. Find a vaccination site near you.

In just a few short days, our favorite restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, museums, performing arts venues, and more will finally be able to welcome more Chicagoans—and our day-to-day lives will be one step closer to normal.

Thank you for helping us make it to this point. As always, my staff and I are available to assist you and answer your questions. Feel free to reach out at 773-869-9050 or email us at senatortonymunoz.com/contact-us.

I look forward to hearing from you—and maybe even seeing you!—very soon.

Sincerely,

Tony Munoz
State Senator | 1st District