I am happy to report the legislature will be returning to session next week to address the critical issues Illinoisans have and continue to face during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s time for the governor to support reopening southern Illinois and the metro east region. The small businesses and service providers licensed by the State want to return to work in a safe and responsible manner.
I have repeatedly requested the governor to work with us on a regional plan to safely reopen southern Illinois and the metro east. Since April I have called on the Democrat leadership to reconvene the legislature to help make this happen. Only the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker have the authority to call us back to session and they have finally agreed to bring us back to work in Springfield.
View Regional Recover Plan here:
Since Governor Pritzker’s ‘Stay at Home’ order took effect in March my office continues to strive to assist constituents with their issues concerning state government while providing daily and weekly updates to assist you during these difficult times.
Whether it’s driving to Springfield and back to deliver coronavirus test kits, helping nurses, doctors, owners of restaurants, bars, hotels, barbers, salons, nail technicians, car dealerships, manufacturers, local government officials, schools, students, retirees and more. I am here to help you with everything I can as your State Representative.
I have hosted a LIVE telephone town hall on April 21st with special guest Congressman Shimkus to help answer questions concerning both the state and federal government. On May 7th, I hosted a Facebook LIVE town hall and answered questions.
In case you missed anything I have shared as of March 16th, here is a list of releases and posts you may find helpful posted in chronological order at CharlieMeier.net:
- Meier Encourages Restaurants to Keep Profit/Loss Records, Reminds Laid Off Employees Eligible for Unemployment Benefits
- State seeks input from small businesses impacted by coronavirus
- Governor Pritzker’s Order Closing Restaurants & Bars at 9pm
- 15 Days To Slow The Spread of COVID-19
- Rep. Meier Provides COVID-19 Update Concerning Unemployment Benefits, School and State Facility Closures, Restaurant Options, Small Business Impact Survey
- Loans Available to Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
- Info on Governor Pritzker’s ‘Stay At Home’ Order
- Illinois EPA Temporarily Closes All Vehicle Emissions Testing Stations
- Meier Encourages Volunteers to Donate Blood
- Illinois Income Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15
- Emergency Assistance Programs Available for Small Businesses in Illinois
- Rep. Meier: Bars, Restaurants, and Hotels Impacted by COVID-19 Have Until April 1 to Apply for Grant Program
- Summary of $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
- Check Out CARES Act Questions & Answers Here
- Applications Available for Child Care Providers to Obtain Stipends Ranging From $750-$3,000
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Effective Today
- Applications for Paycheck Protection Program Now Being Accepted
- Essential Workers Eligible for Child Care Assistance
- American Diabetes Association Providing Support to Individuals Affected by Diabetes
- Eli Lilly Offers Insulin for $35
- Southern Illinois Legislators Ask Governor to Stop Mental Health Patient Transfers
- Meier Urges State to Work Faster to Process Unemployment Claims
- State Police Extends FOID and CCL Renewals
- Webinar Today for Small Businesses in Southern Illinois
- Meier asks Pritzker to postpone increasing minimum wage to help create jobs
- Meier: Greenhouses, Garden Centers, and Nurseries Can Remain Open
- Unemployment Benefits Update for 1099 and ‘Gig’ workers
- Stay-at-Home order extended until May 30 with modifications
- Meier Reacts to Governor Pritzker’s New “Stay at Home” Order
- Meier Encourages Governor to Support Spectator-Free Racing at Fairmount Park Racetrack
- IDES Instructs 1099 Workers to Apply for Regular Unemployment Benefits Before Program Goes Live
- Meier Reacts to Governor Pritzker’s Plan to ‘Restore Illinois’
- Meier Delivers Gowns to the Carlyle Healthcare Center, Gowns Made by Okawville Volunteers
- Rep. Meier addresses legislature getting back to work and issues businesses licensed by the state may encounter when reopening