WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24
Employee Criminal History Protections, Equal Pay Certification Bill Signed into Law
Yesterday, Governor Pritzker signed SB 1440 into law, which extends protections outlined in the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) to any Illinois resident with a conviction record. Under this new law, Illinois employers can no longer disqualify a job applicant or employee with a conviction record unless it is substantially related to the job.

The law also amends the Illinois Equal Pay Act, requiring private-sector employers of more than 100 employees to obtain equal pay registration certificates from the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). The legislation requires qualifying employers to provide proof of the total wages paid each employee during the prior year as well as the gender, race and ethnicity of the employees. Equal pay certification must be obtained before March 23, 2024, and businesses must recertify every two years.

This legislation was one of four bills signed into law by Governor Pritzker yesterday that were components of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda earlier this year.

Click here to read the full announcement. Click here to read more from The State Journal-Register.

Click here to read an FAQ on the law and conviction record protections from the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).
Liquor License Fee Refund Ordinance Introduced

Today, Aldermen Michael Rodriguez (22nd) and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) introduced an ordinance that would reimburse liquor license holders in full for the 90 days they were shut down entirely, and also offer partial refunds for days they operated at limited capacity or with shortened hours.

The IRA will continue to work with the Chicago City Council and Mayor Lightfoot to secure enhanced financial relief for Chicago's restaurants, bars, and hospitality businesses.

Click here to read the ordinance.
Tomorrow Morning - Webinar on Ordering, Staffing, and Investing for Spring and Beyond
Join the IRA and panelists from Gordon Food Service, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, and Vintro tomorrow morning, Thursday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m., for a webinar offering practical advice on ordering and staffing up this Spring, as well as investor funding opportunities to position your restaurant for the future.

Este seminario web se transmitirá en inglés y español.
此网络研讨会有中文及英文两种放送版本

This webinar is provided in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.

Click here to register.
BACP Announces Launch of the Chicago Business Center Program
The city of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) recently announced the launch of the new Chicago Business Center (CBC) Program.

Through this new initiative, eight regional Chicago Business Centers have begun operating as hubs to provide business licensing assistance and other resources for small businesses in communities throughout the City. The eight Centers are open for virtual consultations with entrepreneurs today.

Click here to learn more.
PPP Deadline Approaching, Loans Available Through ACAP and The Loan Source
As a reminder, businesses currently have until Wednesday, March 31 to apply for the latest round of the Paycheck Protection Protection (PPP). The House recently voted to extend PPP for two months, and the Senate is expected to pass the legislation in the coming days. Click here to read more from Roll Call.

The IRA recently announced a partnership with ACAP and The Loan Source to serve as a source to help restaurant and hospitality industry businesses apply for PPP loans, and streamline the process for loan forgiveness. 

If you are seeking a lender to facilitate your PPP loan, please consider utilizing this resource for the hospitality industry. 

Click here to learn more and begin the process. Click here for additional resources for checking applications, forgiveness overviews, and more.
Please visit our website for the latest COVID-19 updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business. Updated as of 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS