Latest News

Thursday, April 16, 2020
Meier asks Pritzker to postpone increasing minimum wage to help create jobs

Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) sent a letter on April 16th to Governor Pritzker asking for him to support postponing an increase to the minimum wage. According to Rep….


Monday, April 13, 2020
Webinar Today for Small Businesses in Southern Illinois

Today, April 13th from 1:00-2:30 pm DCEO, in partnership with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting a webinar for small businesses you and members of the General Assembly…


Thursday, April 9, 2020
Meier Urges State to Work Faster to Process Unemployment Claims

With thousands of Illinois residents still unable to receive and apply for unemployment benefits, State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is urging the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) to “stop…


Thursday, April 9, 2020
Southern Illinois Legislators Ask Governor to Stop Mental Health Patient Transfers

Southern Illinois legislators submitted the following letter to Governor JB Pritzker and Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou on Wednesday, April 8 asking that immediate action be taken to stop the transfer…


Friday, April 3, 2020
Applications for Paycheck Protection Program Now Being Accepted

Small businesses can now download the application for the Paycheck Protection Program to file with an eligible lender. The Federal Paycheck Protection Program was created through the CARES Act and is designed to provide a direct incentive for small…


Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Effective Today

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PUBLISHES GUIDANCE EXPLAINING PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT Effective today, April 1st employers must post…


Monday, March 30, 2020
Applications Available for Child Care Providers to Obtain Stipends Ranging From $750-$3,000

To ensure providers are available for essential workers, the state will be providing stipends to child care providers who have been licensed to operate during this pandemic. Licensed homes will…


Monday, March 30, 2020
Check Out CARES Act Questions & Answers Here

The U.S. Senate has compiled an extensive Q&A list covering the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) passed by the federal government last week. Find answers to your questions…


Friday, March 27, 2020
Summary of $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)

Congress approved and the President has signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act  (CARES) today. The $2.2 trillion economic rescue package provides help for families, small business, hospitals, local…


Thursday, March 26, 2020
Rep. Meier: Bars, Restaurants, and Hotels Impacted by COVID-19 Have Until April 1 to Apply for Grant Program

State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) wants Illinois small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to know they could be eligible for state grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Applications are due by…