COVID-19

Governor JB Pritzker delivered his daily briefing accompanied by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin who delivered a report on the federal

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING

A significant portion of the Governor’s briefing was Senator Durbin sharing the results of the third federal COVID relief bill. As it relates to retail, the most important take-away’s are:

• all employers can delay payment of social security (6.2%) withholding on employee wages. Half of the 2020 liability would be due at the end of 2021 and the other have the end of 2022.
• net-operating-loss carry-back will be for 5 taxable years.
• the Qualified Improvement Property (QIP) technical correction was accomplished. Originally made in error two years ago, the fix allows businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, to write-off costs immediately instead of over 39-years.

These are not the only provisions, by far, as the package is approximately $2 trillion in size. Additional updates will be forthcoming.

COOK COUNTY

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the waiving of a number of fees as well as tax deferments. IRMA members can view the changes on this chart. IRMA would like to thank

FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE

Pursuant to the new Federal changes on paid family/medical leave, employers are required to display a new poster. You can access the poster here.

ILLINOIS UNEMPLOYMENT 

If you needed an example of how quickly COVID-19 changed the economic landscape, consider this. Today, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that in February the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 3.4 percent, a new record low. However, in March, the state is responding to a surge of unemployment claims due to the impacts of COVID-19. To this point, March unemployment claims total 133,763 compared to 27,493 over the same period in 2019.

As it relates to the Federal relief package, it included $360 million for the U.S. Department of Labor to invest in programs that provide training and supportive services for dislocated workers, seniors, migrant farm workers and homeless veterans. It also includes funding for implementing new paid leave and unemployment insurance benefits.

It expands unemployment insurance from three to four months, and provides temporary unemployment compensation of $600 per week per individual, which is in addition to and the same time as regular state and federal UI benefits.

• Part-time, self-employed and gig economy workers now have access to UI benefits.
• Allows employers to receive an advance tax credit from the Treasury instead of having to be reimbursed on the back end.
• $260 billion investment into the unemployment insurance program.
• Creates regulatory authority to implement the tax credit advances.

E-WIC

Please note that the IL Department of Human Services is suspending outreach on the e-WIC program for the next two weeks.  Illinois is in the process of changing from paper vouchers to an electronic system for the WIC program.  Considering that current resources are being shifted both at the Department and internally with grocers to handle the current pandemic, the Department has agreed to suspend contact for the time being.

Illinois stores that are in the current e-WIC phase-in will not be contacted by Solutran (the state’s vendor) or any of its subcontractors to assess readiness for implementation of the e-WIC program with your current POS systems.  If you have any questions about the e-WIC transition, please let us know.

UTILITY/ENERGY SERVICES

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has formally adopted Governor Pritzker’s recommendation to suspend all utility disconnections and late payment fees until May 1st or the Governor removes his emergency declaration. Likewise, IRMA is working with electric and gas suppliers on behalf of members who have experienced a significant change in energy consumption. IRMA has prepared an informative piece covering these subjects and more that you can view here.

JOBS

Anyone looking for at least temporary employment can find employment possibilities at IRMA’s website. Additionally, retailers not listed who are hiring can email IRMA and we will add the link you provide to our resource page. Job seekers and retailers looking to hire should click here.

ILLINOIS UPDATE

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, MD, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 673 new cases  in Illinois, including seven deaths. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 2,538 cases, including 26 deaths, in 37 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to 99 years. This information can be found here.

Governor JB Pritzker just concluded his daily briefing. Lots of new information below including small business assistance, price gouging, financial assistance for employers, e-WIC, and more.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING

Income tax filing deadlines have been extended from April 15th to July 15th to align with the filing delay instituted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can read IDOR’s Informational Bulletin here.

The Governor announced three new programs to assist small businesses throughout Illinois.

First, all small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and with 2019 revenues under $3 million are eligible for small business emergency loans of up to 5-years in length at low-interest. The first loan payments will not begin for 6-months.

Second, small businesses in the suburbs and downstate being served by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Community Development, primarily those serving low-to-moderate income populations, are eligible for GRANTS of up to $25,000.

Third, hospitality businesses (i.e. restaurants, bars, and hotels) are eligible for assistance from DCEO to support payroll and rent as well as operations such as pick-up and delivery.

The DCEO administered loan information can be found here.

Additionally, the Governor asked all banks administering Advantage Illinois Loans to modify their loan terms thru either a 3- month deferral of payments or 6-months of interest-only payments. The state has suspended regulations to allow financial institutions to act quickly.

IRMA would like to thank the Governor for his actions and look forward to continuing to work with his Administration on additional measures for the broader retail community that is being equally savaged by this pandemic.

STATE TREASURER

As IRMA noted yesterday, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a $250 million bridge-loan program via community banks and credit unions to assist employers with low-interest loans. Employers should check with their community bank or credit union to see if they are participating. IRMA would like to thank Treasurer Frerichs for his initiative. 

PRICE GOUGING

IRMA spoke directly with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul this morning regarding price gouging. His office has received 615 allegations of price gouging to date. He assured me their attorneys are taking a very deliberative approach. There is a clear awareness that consumers do not always understand the difference between, as an example, a sale price changing to a regular price and price-gouging. The AG attorneys are also looking closely at supplier prices and are interested in any information related to supplier price-gouging. They also understand retail concerns about sharing such for fear of retaliation. Retailers should not feel they are at the mercy of their suppliers. Retailers may share such documentation with IRMA. We will be certain to remove identifying information if the retailer has not already done so. If you have information related to supplier price-gouging, please send to info@irma.org.

EMPLOYER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

In addition to the Governor’s announcement today, and while we dissect the assistance Washington, DC is allegedly enacting, retailers are strong encouraged to apply today for assistance from the Small Business Administration. Even if you ultimately decide not to do it, final today and get in line. Below are links to resources for additional financial assistance.

US Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

US SBA Disaster Assistance Information

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

City of Chicago Resiliency Fund and in Spanish

E-WIC

Please note that the IL Department of Human Services is suspending outreach on the e-WIC program for the next two weeks.  Illinois is in the process of changing from paper vouchers to an electronic system for the WIC program.  Considering that current resources are being shifted both at the Department and internally with grocers to handle the current pandemic, the Department has agreed to suspend contact for the time being.

Illinois stores that are in the current e-WIC phase-in will not be contacted by Solutran (the state’s vendor) or any of its subcontractors to assess readiness for implementation of the e-WIC program with your current POS systems.  If you have any questions about the e-WIC transition, please let us know.

UTILITY/ENERGY SERVICES

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has formally adopted Governor Pritzker’s recommendation to suspend all utility disconnections and late payment fees until May 1st or the Governor removes his emergency declaration. Likewise, IRMA is working with electric and gas suppliers on behalf of members who have experienced a significant change in energy consumption. IRMA has prepared an informative piece covering these subjects and more that you can view here.

JOBS

Anyone looking for at least temporary employment can find employment possibilities at IRMA’s website. Additionally, retailers not listed who are hiring can email IRMA and we will add the link you provide to our resource page. Job seekers and retailers looking to hire should click here.

ILLINOIS UPDATE

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, MD, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 330 new cases and three new deaths since yesterday. Additionally, the number of counties with at least one case increased by three to 35. That brings the total count to 1,865. This information can be found here.

The Illinois Department of Labor has formally streamlined the process by which employers can allow employees to work more than six consecutive days. Under current law, employers must file a permit for every location, file by Friday before, and include certain information. That information is then reviewed by IDOL and a determination is given.

Under this emergency rule, if a permit is requested due to COVID-19, the employer may seek ONE permit covering one or more locations, anticipated number of employees, the anticipated duration of the permit, and a statement as to how the request is related to COVID-19 (e.g. supplying essential items to essential businesses). IDOL will then consider the permit approved unless they contact the employer within two-business days.

It must be emphasized that only employees who volunteer are eligible to work more than six consecutive days.

IRMA members can view the rationale for the emergency rule here, and can view the emergency rule here which shows the mark-ups so you can easily see the changes. This rule expires after 150-days OR upon the date the Governor cancels his emergency declaration.

IRMA would like to thank IDOL for streamlining the process during this pandemic. 

Governor JB Pritzker just concluded his daily briefing and information is below regarding financial assistance for employers as well as employment info and an update on Illinois’s COVID-19 cases.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING

The Governor’s brief focused on hospitals and in-state testing and labs. He briefed on state-run testing sites stood-up by the Illinois National Guard and FEMA sites in Illinois. He also provided an in-depth report on available hospital beds compared to potential scenarios as well as the current states of equipment such as ventilators.

The Governor also emphasized that science has driven his decision-making and will going forward.

EMPLOYER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

While we await word from Washington, DC as the details and final passage of a stimulus package, retailers are encouraged to contact their local financial institutions. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a program thru which his office has invested $250 million with community banks to give them greater ability to provide loans at ‘near-zero rates’.

Below are resources for additional financial assistance.

US Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

US SBA Disaster Assistance Information

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

City of Chicago Resiliency Fund and in Spanish

JOBS

Anyone looking for at least temporary employment can find employment possibilities at IRMA’s website. Additionally, retailers not listed who are hiring can email IRMA and we will add the link you provide to our resource page. Job seekers and retailers looking to hire should click here.

ILLINOIS UPDATE

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, MD, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 250 new cases and four new deaths. The number of counties with at least one case increased by one to 32. That brings the total count to 1,285. This information can be found here.

Governor JB Pritzker just concluded his daily briefing.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING

The Governor announced the creation of the Essential Equipment Task Force as part of the Governor’s on-going efforts to fill the need. The task force is being jointly operated by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO). These organizations will coordinate the task force’s efforts related to manufacturers who desire to produce or donate personal protection equipment for use in Illinois. Those interested in manufacturing or donating the much-needed equipment can visit here. Likewise, iBIO has created the COVID-19 Response Fund to coordinate contributions from corporate and private institutions to be used to purchase personal protection equipment. Those interested in contributing can visit here.

Brigadier General Richard Neely, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard (ING) made clear the ING is NOT engaged in policing actions. Rather, they are undertaking efforts related to medical needs. Unfortunately, silly and careless rumors have made this type of briefing necessary.

JOBS

Anyone looking for at least temporary employment can find employment possibilities at IRMA’s website. Additionally, retailers not listed who are hiring can email IRMA and we will add the link you provide to our resource page. Job seekers and retailers looking to hire should click here.

ILLINOIS UPDATE

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, MD, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 236 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois. Regretably, three more Illinoisans have died. Illinois how as 1,285 reported cases spread over 31 counties. Updated statistics can be found here.

Governor JB Pritzker just concluded his daily briefing – the 14th.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING

The Governor noted employees do NOT need papers from their employer to go to and from work.

The Governor used the time to encourage Illinoisans to look out for each other and lauded the efforts of non-profit service organizations. You can learn more about service opportunities here.  If you are interested in donating blood to address the shortage, go here.

The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike, MD announced that within the last 24-hours there are 296 new cases in Illinois, including an infant, and four additional deaths. COVID-19 Illinois impact can be found here.

COOK COUNTY TAX RELIEF

The Cook County Department of Revenue is taking measures to support businesses in Cook County who are experiencing slowdowns or financial operational issues during this time of great uncertainty.  We are offering tax relief options by request. If any individual or business needs additional time to file and pay Home Rule Taxes, please email revenuecompliance@cookcountyil.gov and request an extension.

REST AREAS & CONSTRUCTION

The Illinois Department of Transportation just announced that all Illinois rest areas would remain open 24-hours per day. Additionally, road construction will continue. You can view the announcement here.

JOBS

IF you are looking to hire, please send IRMA the link to where employees should apply, or the phone number, and the name of any contact. IRMA will keep a list and post on IRMA’s website. If you have not already done so, please can send the link or phone number and name of contact, if any, and any other information you wish to have included to info@irma.org.

REST AREAS & CONSTRUCTION

The Illinois Department of Transportation just announced that all Illinois rest areas would remain open 24-hours per day. Additionally, road construction will continue. You can view the announcement here.

JOBS

IF you are looking to hire, please send IRMA the link to where employees should apply, or the phone number, and the name of any contact. IRMA will keep a list and post on IRMA’s website. If you have not already done so, please can send the link or phone number and name of contact, if any, and any other information you wish to have included to info@irma.org.

A few moments ago, Governor JB Pritzker completed his daily briefing and was joined by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. What follows is information on the Governor’s Briefing, Food Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, IRMA, Senior Hours, and Business Day 2020.

GOVERNOR’S BRIEFING
Governor Pritzker has issued a stay-at-home order for the State of Illinois commencing at 5:00 p.m. (CST) tomorrow, Saturday, March 21st thru Tuesday, April 7th. You may view the Governor’s Executive Order here. IRMA will have a detailed analysis shortly.The Governor noted examples of what would stay the same: people can leave their homes to go to get food, medicine, healthcare, motor fuel, run/walk, many will go to work, pick up dinner from their favorite restaurant, etc. but everyone needs to practice social-distancing and hygiene. The Governor highlighted there is no need to hoard or rush to the store. Most lives will not change much.  Safe daycare will be assured. Nothing about this order in anyway impedes the supply chain.

All non-essential work must stop. If you can work from home, now is time to do so.It is a very well-conceived Executive Order that strikes a difficult balance in the midst of an inconceivable situation. IRMA would like to thank the Governor for his consideration and consultation as well as that of his senior staff.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who joined the Governor, encouraged everyone to think of this as ‘safer at home’. The Mayor reiterated there is no need to change your normal shopping patterns and that stores would remain open and citizens would be able to shop as they need. Mayor Lightfoot ordered all parks and libraries closed. IRMA would also thank the Mayor for her leadership and the cooperation and interaction of her staff.

FOOD SAFETY
The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued guidance to local health departments and food service entities regarding changes to food service as a result of COVID-19. In short, customer self-serve items are no longer allowed (see Q&A 12) but self-service beverage dispensers are allowed (see Q&A 17). However, if customers bring their own beverage containers, the stores must ensure the container is clean. IRMA members can view the guidance here.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
The State of Illinois is looking for information as to PPE that is available and not in use. Below is a list of equipment of specific interest:

• N95 masks
• surgical masks
• surgical gloves
• goggles
• face shields
• gowns
• PAPrs (powered air purifying respirators)
• respirators

If you have available stocks, no matter how small, you can either contact IRMA with the information or the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) directly. If you contact IEMA directly, contact Scott Gauvin, Manager of Strategic Operations and Preparedness, IEMA scott.gauvin@illinois.gov

IRMA
IRMA staff will be available to you, the members, throughout the course of this pandemic. Below is contact information. I would encourage you to use text and email first. Additionally, for non-urgent matters, if you leave a message on our office phones, the system will notify us of a voicemail via email. We will contact you promptly.

SENIOR HOURS AT GROCERY STORES
If you have not already done so, please go to www.irma.org and let us know if your store is offering hours. You can email us from the link on the webpage and we will add your store(s).

BUSINESS DAY 2020 CANCELLED
Business Day 2020 has been cancelled. IRMA members and co-hosts received notification of this via email this morning. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Springfield in 2021!