On March 11, 2021 President Joe Biden signed into law American Rescue Plan Act. The Act delivers $350 billion to state, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. Cook County received more than $1 billion through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The money can be spent  for the following: Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services up to the amount of revenue lost due to the pandemic Respond to the far-reaching public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic, by supporting the health of communities, and helping households, small businesses, impacted industries, nonprofits, and the public sector recover from economic impacts Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand affordable access to broadband internet If you'd like a deeper dive into these categories, please visit here. On January 13th 2022, I voted with my colleagues …
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A Lot Done, More To Do I am always working hard for District 12. Follow me on social media (links at the bottom of the page) and check this page for regular updates on what I'm doing to improve our district and Cook County.

Earth Month 2021 was a success! Thank you to everyone that participated in my 2021 Earth Month! You can always check out my webinars on my Youtube page. A Chat with Eco and The Flaming co-owner Bethany Barbouti: Part 1 A Chat at LaBagh Woods with Friends of the Forest Preserves Earth Month Kickoff: What can individuals do for the environment?

County Care Veteran Services Forest Preserve and Zoo

PPP Loan FAQ What is the Payment Protection Program (PPP)? A: The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan program that originated from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This was originally a $350-billion program intended to provide American small businesses with 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100% federally guaranteed loans. The loans are backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).  In late December 2020, Congress passed the $900 billion Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to help more businesses impacted by COVID-19.   On February 22, 2021, the Biden Administration announced more changes to the PPP program to boost help for underserved small businesses. First, from February 24 through March 9, there is a two-week exclusivity period for businesses with fewer than 20 employees to apply for first- and second-draw PPP loans. Second, eligibility for PPP was increased to include non-citizens who pay taxes and those with non-fraud felonies and student loan delinquencies. Third, the SBA changed the maximum potential PPP loan amount that sole proprietors and independent contractors can apply for, basing it on gross income instead of net income.  PPP loans are issued by private lenders and credit unions, and then they are backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA).   …
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