Government Affairs Roundup
“Your Timely Roundup of Local, State, and Federal Updates”
Chamber members:
Thanks to those that joined us last week for our member luncheon featuring IDOT Secretary Gia Biagi. It was a highly informative presentation focusing on the developments of the I80 project as well as the bridge system here in Joliet. We look forward to continuing dialogue with her office in the future.
If you haven’t done so already, mark your calendar for August 27 as we welcome Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy to deliver his annual State of the City address at The Renaissance Center. Reservations are open – https://members.jolietchamber.com/events/details/2026-member-lunch-august-27-state-of-the-city-address-with-mayor-terry-d-arcy-7841
*Government Affairs Roundup brought to you by CITGO*
New Representative in the 97th District of the Illinois House
The Democratic Representative Committee for the 97th District unanimously voted Monday to appoint Jessica Dixon Heitman as state representative. She will complete the term of former Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, and will also appear on the November ballot as the Democratic nominee for the seat.
Dixon Heitman was selected over six other candidates by Democratic Party chairs from Will and Kendall counties.
A public relations professional, Dixon Heitman has previously worked in communications roles for both the Illinois Senate and House. In 2023, she briefly served as Benton’s media and community outreach coordinator. She lives in Plainfield with her husband and their three daughters.
Daylight Saving Time Legislation
The U.S. House on July 14 approved legislation that would make daylight saving time (DST) the nation’s permanent standard, allowing states with current exemptions to continue observing standard time in those areas.
The measure, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, passed by a vote of 308–117 and now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Public opinion strongly favors ending the twice-yearly clock changes, with polls showing between 63% and 75% of Americans support eliminating the practice. However, there is less agreement on what should replace it – permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time.
Currently, the United States observes DST for about eight months of the year and standard time for roughly four months. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST and remain on standard time year-round.
The debate over which time should become permanent remains unsettled. Sleep experts generally favor permanent standard time, noting that lighter mornings and darker evenings better align with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This alignment can improve sleep quality and may reduce certain health risks. Because the body produces the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin in response to darkness, increased evening sunlight under permanent DST could make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Still, permanent daylight saving time has its supporters. Many Americans prefer extended evening daylight, particularly those who spend much of the day indoors at work or school. Longer daylight hours after work are often seen as beneficial for recreation, commerce, and overall quality of life.
While there is broad agreement on eliminating the biannual time change, the question of which system should remain in place continues to divide both experts and the public.
SBA Disaster Declaration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for Illinois small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms and tornadoes occurring June 11. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Governor JB Pritzker on July 7.
The declaration covers the Illinois counties of Bureau, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McHenry, Putman, Will, and Woodford, as well as the Indiana County of Lake, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.
Important Facts:
- It’s important to know that low-interest federal disaster loans are for HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS, plus businesses of all sizes, and most non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations.
- Interest Rates as low as 2.875% for Homeowners and Renters, 4% for Businesses, and 3.625% for Nonprofits, 15 to 30 Years Repayment Terms.
- No interest for 12 Months, No payment until the 12th month after initial disbursement of loan proceeds, and no collateral for loans under $50K
- The Deadline to apply for physical damage is September 8, 2026.
- The Deadline to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) is April 12, 2027.
- Several Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) were opened yesterday in the primary counties Cook and LaSalle to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application.
Beginning Wednesday, July 15, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the counties of Cook and LaSalle to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.
The hours of operation are listed below:
COOK COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
City Hall East Annex
2434 Vermont St.
Blue Island, IL 60406
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closes permanently at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30
COOK COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Alsip City Hall
4500 W. 123rd St.
Alsip, IL 60803
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday – Closed
Closes permanently at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30
COOK COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Chicago Public Library Pullman Branch
11001 S. Indiana Ave.
Chicago, IL 60628
Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, noon – 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closes permanently at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30
COOK COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Chicago Public Library Thurgood Marshall Branch
7506 S. Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 6062
Hours: Monday and Wednesday, noon – 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closes permanently at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30
LASALLE COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Streator City Hall
204 S. Bloomington St.
Streator, IL 61364
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – noon
Sunday – Closed
Closes permanently at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30
- To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Stay well,
Mike Paone
Executive Vice President
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct