Galesburg Reporter

Illinois Sen. Jill Tracy (R-Mount Sterling) says millions of dollars are still available as aid for small businesses to help them survive the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also calling for anti-corruption reform among state legislators.

Approximately $220 million is available under the title Business Interruption Grant Program, stated Tracy on her website at Iqconnect.imhostediq.com. The funding comes from federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds.   

Businesses and nonprofits with an annual revenue under $20 million are eligible, the report said. The money from the aid award may be used to help businesses with operating expenses, payroll, rent, utilities and other costs. 

Illinois Sen. Jill Tracy (R-Mount Sterling) | https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?MemberID=1716

Priority will be given to those businesses that have suffered major losses and have nearly shut down, including entertainment venues such as performing arts, movie theaters and recreational facilities. In addition, tourism-related or hospitality businesses hit hard, aid will be given consideration to those with losses in excess of 50%, and those businesses who have not received prior aid.

Tracy also called for legislators to develop an anti-corruption plan in the wake of indictments and accusations such as that against Illinois Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan. Madiga was accused of allegedly accepting bribes from the electrical power utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) in exchange for favorable legislation.

Tracy indicated that case is but one of a number involving Democrats in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) was asked by Republicans to convene an anti-corruption hearing earlier this year but declined, saying an Ethics Commission would take up the matter later in the year.

“In a time when several Illinois Democrat legislators are making headlines for corruption charges, Illinois Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to hold elected officials accountable,” said Tracy on the website.

She recommended prohibiting lawmakers from lobbying other branches of government for paybacks, making legislators wait a year, or to the end of their term of elected office to become a lobbyist. She also recommended prohibition of the use of campaign funds by legislators who leave office to become lobbyists, and enhanced disclosures of potential conflicts of interest.

Tracy is circulating an anti-corruption petition online at senatorjitracy.com.

Applications for the small business aid may be filled out by going to accionilin.formstack.com.