“Anything that’s delayed at this point [taxes or other business expenses] I think would be beneficial. Our property taxes are not inexpensive. So, if that’s money we can keep in our accounts to pay to vendors or pay the staff, every dollar would help."
The federal government authorized a financial aid program for small businesses that have closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but state and local government also offer assistance.
“In our country we should not have children who don’t have three meals a day. And we have a lot of that. We just picked up a family of seven that hasn’t eaten for two or three days."
Business sectors directly affected by the coronavirus and mitigation employ 1.5 million Illinoisans. The longer the shutdown, the more industries and jobs face cuts.
“This is supposed to be the American Dream for me and my family … I’m holding on to everything I can, but I’m losing because of this house. It’s a nightmare."
“I really like the story of how we started this business. “My husband, Ben, and I started out 12 years ago. At the time, I really wasn’t expecting that we’d become full-time landlords. For me, it was a way for us to buy a house with the space we needed, plus cash flow. I come...
“There’s a silence among politicians. An apathy, when it comes to property taxes. And a history of mismanagement."
A quarter of Illinois’ workers are staring down the economic impacts of a global pandemic.
“We’re a hospital, and we also have a primary care facility and a specialty group. We serve all aspects of the community."
Our team wanted to give you a look at the harsh reality of life in downtown Chicago during the COVID-19 crisis.
“I had just built up a savings account for the first time. Now I’m fighting to keep everything."
Struggling businesses, individuals and families need relief while the economy is shut down. Despite Illinois’ financial woes, leaders can help the recovery by lifting government-imposed financial burdens.