Senator Iris Y. Martinez

11/18/2020

Prieto’s Coronavirus Testing Site Being Moved To Prosser
Prosser's testing site will have the same hours. It will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2148 N. Long Ave.

Kelly Bauer
@BauerJournalism
[email protected]

CHICAGO — The city is moving its Belmont Cragin coronavirus testing site — but the new spot isn’t far away.

Starting Monday, the testing site at Prieto Math and Science Academy will be relocated to Prosser Career Academy, 2148 N. Long Ave. The buildings are nearby, with just Hanson Park between them.

Prosser’s testing site will have the same hours as Prieto did. It will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2148 N. Long Ave.

The Prieto site has been the busiest out of the city’s static, community-based testing sites.

How To Get A Test

The Chicago Department of Public Health first recommends people call their doctor or primary health care provider to see if they can provide a test or recommend a testing site.

If that’s not an option, people can go to a federally qualified health center or community clinic for a test. There’s a map online of clinics in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Public Health also has an online map of testing sites and clinics.

If people don’t have insurance or can’t get a test elsewhere, they can go to one of the city’s mobile or static sites.

Who Should Get A Test

The Chicago Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 testing for these people:

People who have symptoms of COVID-19, like fever or chills, cough, difficult breathing, sore throat, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

People who have been in contact with someone who is ill, especially if it’s someone they live with, a friend or a worker.
People who have recently participate in a high-risk activity, like attending a large gathering or being in a crowded place.

Chicago Testing Sites

Starting Monday, here is the information for the city’s testing sites:

Prosser Career Academy: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2148 N. Long Ave.

Midway Airport: noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays at Parking Lot B, 5738 W. 55th St.

Saucedo Scholastic Academy: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2850 W. 24th Blvd.

Gately Park: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 744 E. 103rd St.

Information about the city’s mobile sites is available online and is updated weekly.

11/17/2020

Illinois.gov - IL Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) ABE Home Page

SNAP SUPPLEMENTS

The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced that the federal government has issued approval for continued Emergency Allotments through November for all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households. These allotments ensure that families receive maximum SNAP funds for their household size during the pandemic. No action is required by the customer and allotments will be distributed soon. To apply for or manage SNAP benefits, please visit abe.illinois.gov.

State of Illinois | Application for Benefits Eligibility

11/17/2020

403 Forbidden

The Utility Billing Relief Program (UBR) is a City of Chicago program intended to make water and sewer bills more affordable for qualifying Chicago residents.

How does it help?

No shut off, penalties, or debt collection on past due City of Chicago utility bill debt.No shut off, penalties, or debt collection on past due City of Chicago utility bill debt.

50% rate reduction for water charges, sewer charges, and water-sewer tax.50% rate reduction for water charges, sewer charges, and water-sewer tax.

Debt forgiveness of previous unpaid balance after successfully completing 1-year in the program.Debt forgiveness of previous unpaid balance after successfully completing 1-year in the program.

https://chicago.docugateway.com/main/guest/billing_relief/

11/13/2020

The Official Website for the Illinois Secretary of State

Jesse White Announces Closure of Driver Services Facilities from Nov. 17 until Dec. 7, 2020, Due to Worsening COVID-19 Pandemic

Driver’s licenses and ID card expirations will be extended until June 1, 2021

White encourages online renewal options

CDL facilities remain open for truck drivers



Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing Driver Services facilities statewide will be closed to the public for in person transactions effective Tuesday, Nov. 17 and will reopen on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. White is encouraging the public to take advantage of online services.



In addition, White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards will be extended until June 1, 2021. This June 1, 2021 extension also includes those who have February, March, April and May 2021 expiration dates. As a result, expired driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until June 1, 2021. CDL (Commercial Driver License) holders and commercial permit holders are excluded from this extension due to federal requirements.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to close all Driver Services facilities until December 7, 2020, due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic,” said White. “The health and safety of employees and the public remains paramount and face-to-face transactions potentially increase the further spread of the virus. We have extended expiration dates to assist people during this difficult time. I am also encouraging customers to consider using online services which are available for many office transactions.”

As White noted, many transactions with the Secretary of State’s office may be conducted online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com, some of which include:



· Renewing a license plate sticker;

· Renewing a valid driver’s license for qualifying drivers;

· Renewing a valid ID card for those age 22-64 (seniors 65 and older have free, non-expiring IDs);

· Obtaining a driver record abstract;

· Filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports; and

· Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may contact [email protected].

Those who are eligible for online driver’s license renewal will receive a letter from the Secretary of State’s office with a PIN necessary for online renewal. Those whose driver’s licenses or ID cards expired between Feb. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021, who qualify for online renewal should receive their PIN letter in December 2020 or January 2021. Those whose driver’s licenses or ID cards expire after Feb. 1, 2021, will receive their PIN letter approximately 90 days before their expiration date.



White noted that 19 CDL (Commercial Driver License) facilities will remain open for CDL written and road exams. These CDL facilities are:



Belleville, 400 W. Main St.; Bradley, 1111 Blatt St.; Charleston, 1010 E. St.; Danville/Tilton, #5 Southgate; DeKalb, 1360 Oakwood St.; Elk Grove Village, 650 Roppolo Dr.; Marion, Mascoutah, 9221 Beller Dr.;

1905 Rendleman St.; Moline/Silvis, 2001 Fifth St., Ste. #10; Olney, 1302 S. West St.; Peoria, 3311 N. Sterling Ave., #12; Princeton, 225 Backbone Rd. East; Quincy, 2512 Locust St.; Rantoul, 421 S. Murray Rd.; Rockford, 4734 Baxter Rd.; Salem, 1375 W. Whittaker St.; South Holland, 41 W. 162nd St.; Springfield, 2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy.; and West Chicago, 1280 Powis Rd.



“Commercial truck drivers provide essential services by ensuring goods can be transported safely and efficiently throughout the state and country during this pandemic,” White said.



CDL driving tests are by appointment only by calling 217-785-3013.



Lastly, White announced that seven facilities will be offering drive-through services for license plate sticker transactions ONLY. These facilities were selected due to the configuration of the buildings which allowed for drive-through transactions. The seven drive-through facilities are: Chicago North, 5401 N. Elston Ave.; Chicago West, 5301 W. Lexington St.; Rockford-Central, 3720 E. State St.; Macomb, 466 Deer Rd.; Springfield, Dirksen 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway; Tilton, #5 Southgate Dr. and Chicago South (opens Nov. 19), 9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.



“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been the only government agency open statewide offering in-person transactions,” said White. “We have remained committed to serving the public. Protecting the health and safety of our residents is my top priority, and this is the guiding principle of our decision-making.”



All other Secretary of State departments are open to serve the public. Check www.cyberdriveillinois.com for more information.

Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White

11/13/2020

Bill Payment Assistance | ComEd - An Exelon Company

As customers face hardship from COVID-19, ComEd is continuing the suspension of service disconnections for low-income customers and those who express a financial hardship through March 31, 2021. For other customers, it’s important that they continue to stay current to avoid higher past-due balances into the spring that will be harder to address.

ComEd also offers a number of bill-assistance programs, including flexible payment options, financial assistance for past-due balances and usage alerts for current bills. Any customer who is experiencing a hardship or difficulty with their electric bill should call ComEd immediately at 1-800-334-7661 (1-800-EDISON-1), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more and enroll in a program.

We’re committed to helping families and communities recover from today’s economic challenges. Learn about financial assistance options available to help those struggling to pay their energy bills. Learn more here.

11/13/2020

Helping Hand | ComEd - An Exelon Company

ComEd announced a new program- Helping Hand. For a limited time, this financial-assistance program provides an additional one-time grant of up to $300 to help low- income residential customers, and those who express financial hardship, to reduce past-due balances.

Program Details

The Helping Hand program will provide our most in-need customers a one-time grant of up to $300 towards a past due balance. The program is available until funds are exhausted.

Eligibility

Combined household income for the 30 days prior to application (gross income for all household members, before taxes are deducted) is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and one of the following concerns is expressed:

Unexpected loss of income or reduction in income (including job loss or furlough)
Sudden illness to you or family member
Other stated COVID-19 impacts

Apply Now
To apply for the one-time bill assistance, please fill out your information below or call 1-800-EDISION-1 (1-800-334-7661) and mention the Helping Hand program.

When applying online, please attach proof of last 30 days of income (check stub, unemployment letter, disability letter, furlough letter, or another document that validates your income) and the number of household members you have to your online application.

We’re committed to helping families and communities recover from today’s economic challenges. Learn about financial assistance options available to help those struggling to pay their energy bills. Learn more here.

11/07/2020

COVID-19 Chicago: Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces grant program for restaurants, bars

COVID-19 Chicago: Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces grant program for restaurants, bars

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a $10 million grant program for restaurants, bars and their employees that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

11/06/2020

illinois.webex.com

Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG) Second Round

The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses.

BIG is the largest program of its kind in the nation – leveraging federal CARES Act funds to establish economic recovery programs: over $270 million for small businesses, and another $270 million exclusively for childcare providers, administered jointly by DCEO and IDHS.

Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs as defined in the eligible cost list found below.

11/12 Statewide Latinx Business Webinar (in Spanish)

Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e2612384b5f8aa67285180d54bf270c78


11/13 Southern, Southeast, West Central, Northwest Latinx Business Webinars

Friday, November 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ebb13829c6d6e952373df1c01c4407343


11/18 Central, Southwest, North Central, Northern Stateline Latinx Business Webinars

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e37eb8dc52a5959809e4c807beccef0b7


11/20 Northeast, East Central Latinx Business Webinars

Friday, November 20, 2020 at 10:00 am

Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e61023b575106ad6fbb1797a21fea744c


12/9 OMEE Latinx Women Owned Business BIG Webinar

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm

Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6a253a0aabf18163a7d14bd488432ec5


11/9 Veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned business certification (DBE) webinar
Monday November 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm

Event address for attendees: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e3950756caf044ada038eb5470c8bd199

11/05/2020

CANNABIZ JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR

CBAI TO HOST CANNABIS INDUSTRY JOB & RESOURCE FAIR

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois is hosting a virtual job fair on Nov. 12 for entrepreneurs and job seekers interested in working in the cannabis industry.

The CannaBiz Job and Resource Fair will offer attendees a platform for one-on-one networking with industry professionals, cannabis company recruiters, educational institutions and more. The event, presented by EasyUni, is virtual, free and open to the public.

The Cannabiz Job & Resource Fair will run from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Virtual exhibitor booths will be open for recruiting, networking and educational opportunities.

Interested attendees can register for free here.

CannaBiz Job & Resource Fair
• Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020
• Time: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Registration (FREE): jobfair.cbail.org

The Cannabis Business Association of Illinois (CBAI or CannaBiz IL) is hosting a virtual event called the CannaBiz Job and Resource Fair on November 12, and we invite you to attend! This virtual event offers all interested individuals and job seekers a platform to speak one-on-one with a variety of....

11/05/2020

Error Page

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy
2850 W 24th Blvd, Chicago, IL 60623

Monday-Friday
from 10 am to 4 pm

Persons with symptoms

Persons with high risk exposure

Healthcare workers and first responders
Drive-Thru and Walk-Up


Dr. Jorge Prieto Math
and Science Academy

2231 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60639 Monday-Friday
from 10 am to 4 pm

Gately Park
744 E 103rd St,
Chicago, IL 60628

Monday/
Wednesday/
Friday
from 10 am to 4 pm
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-
19/home/testing.html?mc_cid=1d6948d942&mc_eid=b0056163d5

In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Chicago has joined the State of Illinois in issuing a Stay at Home order effective Saturday, March 21st at 5pm CT. In addition, City of Chicago facilities are closed to the public. Staff are prioritizing essential services to protect the hea...

11/02/2020

Rental Assistance

Rental Assistance

Rental Assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship due to a crisis such as loss of job, home fire or illness. The program is intended to allow families to maintain housing during the time it takes to regain stability.