South Central Reporter

State Sen. Jason Plummer recently posted the Week-in-Review on his website.

A policy directive from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has advised local governments that they can apply for federal CURES money for reimbursement of costs incurred from responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Local CURE Program is designed to reimburse units of local government for costs of necessary expenditures incurred during the pandemic. Costs eligible for reimbursement include payroll expenses for employees working in sectors of public safety, public health, health care, human services and other similar occupations that were essential to mitigating or responding to the pandemic. This directive will be helpful to smaller municipalities that have incurred significant COVID-19 related personnel expenses.

Business that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for funding through the Business Interruption Grant Program. The $636 million program is designed to assist small businesses that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. Funding can be used to cover operating expenses including payroll, rent, utilities, and other related costs.

DCEO is planning to disperse over $200 million in funds through the grant program. For this round of funding, businesses and non-profits with an annual revenue under $20 million are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to businesses in disproportionately impacted industry sectors and regions.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) is now accepting applications from high school seniors for the 2021 Conservation Achievement Scholarship program. Up to four one-time scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to outstanding Illinois high school seniors who have demonstrated dedication to the environmental preservation, protection, enhancement and/or promotion of Illinois’ natural resources. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Conservation Achievement Scholarship is March 1. The application form and more information and can be found at the ICF website.