Next Steps - Rubio Bill Fails to Advance, House Action Needed

This evening, efforts to pass the Rubio relief package in the Senate stalled, as the motion to cloture and move forward on debate on the bill failed. This means the Senate bill is no longer moving and we need to focus our attention on the House. We commend Chairman Rubio and Senator Durbin, Cardin, Collins, Schumer, and Shaheen for all their leadership and support in this effort. 

The IRA and other stakeholders are currently fighting for a bill in the House that mirrors the relief efforts, and business-friendly definitions, that we secured in the Rubio/Cardin bill. Congresswoman Velasquez (NY 7th District) and Speaker Pelosi (CA 12th District) will likely carry the bill in the House.

We continue to fight for the following relief measures: definition of employer as 500 employees or less per location or legal entity, $350B with broad bipartisan agreements, cash loans to small businesses & nonprofits at 500 employees or less, forgivable loans from existing local lenders if they show cash went to cover worker payroll + business expenses (rent, utilities, healthcare costs etc), and unemployment relief for laid off workers, now at $500B.

As of 9:00 p.m. tonight, the House bill has not been introduced. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, contact your Illinois Congressional leaders to urge them to support legislation in the House that mirrors the business-friendly provisions included in the Rubio/Cardin bill. 
Potential COVID-19 Exposure in the Workplace

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated COVID-19 guidance for businesses and employers.

Included in the guidance are measures to be taken if a staff member, contractor, or a client tests positive for COVID-19 and exposed others in the workplace.

Click here to read more.
Let Your Team Members Know - Hundreds of Grocery/Retail Jobs Now Available

The IRA is working in collaboration with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) and Illinois Food Retailers Association (IFRA) to share information on hundreds of temporary jobs at groceries and retailers throughout the state now available to meet public demand for food and supplies. 

Click here to view the list of job opportunities at Illinois retailers.

Please share the webpage with your team members and colleagues that are seeking temporary work due to COVID-19. 
Can You Donate Your Services to the Hospitality Community? We Want to Hear From You

The IRA has received countless inquiries from people and companies seeking to provide relief and support to business owners and employees impacted by COVID-19.

In an effort to track these initiatives and understand the scope of effort, we ask that you please use this form to submit more information, if you are one of these parties.

Thank you so much for your willingness to help our industry during this challenging time for all. You are greatly appreciated!
Please be sure to check our website for the latest coronavirus updates, and see the above resources and information for your business - updated as of 9:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22.