Chamber Members:
A lot of information to share out today covering a range of updates and announcements. Also, we are hearing of more organizations getting approved for PPP funds. In Illinois the SBA has approved 44,453 businesses at an amount of $12.5 billion and nationwide 1.1 million businesses have been approved at $247 billion. Let’s hope that the program can be replenished as new reports show the money running dry at the end of this week. Senate Minority Leader Schumer and Treasury Secretary continue to meet and move closer to a deal to boost the fund by $250 billion.
There is a document attached from the US Treasury that has a number of questions and answers (28 to be exact) on PPP lending that you may find useful if still contemplating asking for assistance.
We mentioned yesterday in the daily update about an issue that needs further examination. Today, the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission voted to approve an emergency rule that creates an automatic presumption that an essential worker diagnosed with COVID-19 contracted the illness at his or her workplace. Click here to read the emergency rule. This means businesses will need to provide workers comp benefits without proof that the employee contracted the virus while at their place of work. The rule is effective April 16 for a maximum of 150 days. One fear is that employers could decide the risk of keeping an employee on the payroll is outweighed by this risk. The original intention of protecting front-line healthcare, emergency, and first-responder employees are appreciated. However, covering all essential business employees may have gone too far. We will be asking for re-consideration and at least the prohibition of insurance companies increasing premiums as a result of these claims.
COBRA expansion to cover full cost of health insurance premium for those terminated or furloughed if legislation is passed
House Democrats introduced legislation on Tuesday to help workers stay on their employer-based health insurance plans even if they lose their jobs or are furloughed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation would apply to anyone who has been impacted since the coronavirus crisis began in full force at the beginning of March and would remain in effect until six months after the end of the public health emergency. The subsidies for COBRA would be available until affected people enrolled in other health insurance, whether that is another group health plan, a plan obtained through the Affordable Care, or Medicare. As you may all know, people who lose employer-based health insurance can already stay on their plans through COBRA, but it is often very expensive because people have to pay for the full insurance premium without the employer chipping in as it did before the job termination. The measure would also apply to people who are furloughed and still have access to health insurance through their employers, but remain on the hook for their annual contributions to the premiums.
Discussions are ramping up on what a safe re-opening of the economy would look like. Any final plans are sure to be announced most likely in phases. There are still many, many details to be worked out and discussions had on topics such as: General Health Screening, COVID-19 Testing, PPE Usage & Supply, Public Transportation, Childcare, Health Privacy, Discrimination Claims, Safe Workplace Requirements, Exposure Liability, and so much more. Both the US Chamber of Commerce and the CDC have shared some plan framework. Attached to this message are both plans.
Thanks to those that joined the webinar this morning provided by Gordon Flesch covering the topic of “Managing a Remote Workplace.” A reminder that we have a video conference coming up this Friday at 9:30 AM with U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and Illinois State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr. Here are the details to join:
COVID-19 Discussion with U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and State Representative Larry Walsh Jr.
Fri, Apr 17, 2020 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/jolietchamber/april17coronavirusdiscussion
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
Access Code: 963-724-549
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/963724549
The Northern Illinois Food Bank wants everyone to know about a Fresh Produce Pop-Up this Saturday the 18th. From 10 am to 1 pm you can visit their South Suburban Center at 171 S. Larkin Ave for pre-bagged packages of fresh produce. Thanks to their amazing donors, they have an abundance of produce and want to share with anyone in the community in need of a little extra help at this time. Flyer is attached to this message.
Finally, don’t forget about our Open/Closed business update database that we started up last week. Here is the link to add information about your organization: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wtB7zimJzKqxosbzwxgqy4F5XkatEMmw77sBlKPZX5s/edit#gid=1085051934
We’re also in the middle of the week of a campaign started by several Illinois chambers of commerce called ILoveLocal. We’re sharing this list above on the state site and have been promoting over social media channels. Show your Joliet area pride by patronizing your fellow Chamber members. #shopjoliet #dineoutjoliet #ILoveLocal
Stay well,
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Staff and Board of Directors
Mike Paone
Vice President – Government Affairs
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct