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Dear Friends,

During the last several weeks, a number of you have reached out to me with inquiries about a referendum that will appear on the ballot this fall. The proposal would amend a single provision in the state constitution that currently requires the state income tax to be assessed at the same rate on all taxpayers, regardless of income.

If the referendum is approved by voters, a sliding-scale tax rate will be implemented — one that allows higher rates to be charged on higher incomes and lower rates on lower incomes. This sliding-scale tax rate was enacted in 2019. If the referendum is voted down by the voters, the state’s flat income tax rate will stay in place.

Dear friends,

As COVID-19 has spread across the country, other states have followed Illinois’ lead by limiting crowds, closing nonessential businesses, and instituting shelter-in-place orders.

To address the uncertainty and instability many Americans are facing during this outbreak, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides assistance to hospitals, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses.

If you are wondering about what the CARES Act means for you and your community, here’s some information that may help you navigate the legislation:

How will the CARES Act help individuals and families?

• Individuals who earn less than $75,000 annually will receive a direct payment of $1,200, and married couples who file a joint return and earn less than $150,000 are eligible for up to $2,400. Households will receive an additional $500 for every qualifying child age 16 or under. With questions about this payment, visit the IRS website.
• Eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of state unemployment benefits to cover lost wages. Part-time, self-employed, and gig-economy workers are newly eligible for benefits.
• States will receive $3.5 billion in Child Care Development Block Grants to help provide child care to health care workers, first responders, and other essential employees.
• Federal student loan payments will be suspended until Sept. 30.

What about protections for health care workers and first responders?

• Over $120 billion in assistance will go to hospitals and health agencies to help them cover COVID-19 expenses, replenish life-saving supplies, and purchase tests.

Will the CARES Act support local and state governments?

• State and local governments will receive $150 billion to pay for new expenses related to COVID-19. The CARES Act also doubles the amount of FEMA funding available to state governments, local governments, and nonprofits.

What kind of benefits will schools receive?

• Schools across the country—including colleges and universities—will receive over $30 billion in emergency support.

Will businesses get relief?

• Small businesses and non-profits will have access to $350 billion in forgivable loans to help them retain employees and pay for expenses like rent, mortgages, and utilities.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering $10 billion in emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief to local business owners. SBA has also established the Debt Relief Program to cover six months of interest payments for small businesses with existing loans.

If you have other questions about the CARES Act, I encourage you to read this summary from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. The Illinois Department of Economic Security has posted an FAQ on these new benefits and asks that you wait to apply until further details are available to give them time to process current benefits claims.

The COVID-19 outbreak is bigger than Illinois—it’s a nationwide crisis. When we follow recommendations from our top health experts by washing our hands, keeping our distance from others, and staying home as much as possible, we are protecting our fellow Illinoisans and our fellow Americans from this illness.

Updates and guidance on the COVID-19 crisis are available 24/7 from the Illinois Department of Health or at the state’s dedicated COVID-19 response website, coronavirus.illinois.gov.

And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions and concerns. My staff is working remotely, but we are still responding to calls and emails. You can contact us at (847) 718-1110 or senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Laura M. Murphy
State Senator | 28th District