Sangamon Sun

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced a new grant program called the Illinois B2B NewBiz grant, aimed at providing financial relief to businesses that started during the COVID-19 pandemic in industries most affected by it. This program offers grants to businesses that have not been eligible for state or federal emergency support in the past. Senator Bennett shared this update on December 1, stating that for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations that meet certain criteria can apply for a grant of up to $30,000. To be eligible, businesses must have started operations between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, have gross receipts of at least $25,000 and up to $20,000,000 in 2021, currently operate in Illinois, and have not received a Back to Business (B2B) grant prior to 2023. The program prioritizes businesses in industries defined for the previous Back to Business grant program or those majority-owned by individuals who received unemployment insurance benefits during the pandemic.

In another update, the Illinois State Police (ISP) has introduced a new form to report public corruption. The form was created by ISP's Special Investigations Unit, which focuses on investigating criminal misconduct by elected officials and appointees at the state, county, and local levels. The aim of the form is to provide a centralized place for reporting suspected wrongdoing and to eliminate confusion about which agency to report allegations to. ISP will triage the form submissions and determine the appropriate agency for investigation. The online form is available for reporting suspected public corruption only.

Turning to agricultural news, concerns are arising about drought conditions returning to Illinois. As the state's farmers complete their harvest season, data from the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that the soil in Illinois is becoming dry once again. Only 53 percent of topsoil is rated as having adequate or surplus moisture, significantly lower than in 2022. The U.S. Drought Monitor reveals that a majority of the state is experiencing "Abnormally Dry" to "Severe Drought" conditions. These dry conditions could pose challenges for farmers, gardeners, and anyone who values a lush yard. Looking ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts warmer than normal winter temperatures in Illinois but normal precipitation levels for most of the state. However, there is a potential for drier conditions in the Northeastern part of Illinois.

In terms of the state's financial situation, Illinois currently owes $1,230,775,842.45 to state vendors, with 16,827 pending vouchers. This figure represents the bills that have been submitted to the office of the Comptroller but have not yet been paid. It does not include estimated debts such as the unfunded pension liability, which is believed to be over $139 billion.

Lastly, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is warning about rising case numbers for COVID-19, flu, and RSV as fall transitions into winter. IDPH emphasizes the availability of effective vaccines for these illnesses and provides tips for preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses during holiday gatherings.

These updates were shared by State Senator Tom Bennett, who is dedicated to representing the 53rd District and working full-time to address the needs of his constituents.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatortombennett.com/2023/12/01/update-from-senator-bennett-dec-1/