Governor announces $900 million grant package to help businesses impacted by COVID-19

Gov. JB Pritzker. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Now the spotlight is on businesses owned by people of color.

Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday announced a more than $900 million grant package that is to help businesses whose operations coronavirus has interrupted, as well a rent and mortgage assistance, and more.

“Even before the pandemic,” he said, “over 70 pct of extremely low-income families in Illinois were already dedicating more than half of their income to rent, and now nearly one in three Illinois adults have missed last month’s rent or mortgage payment or are worried about their ability to pay next month’s.”

Also on hand: business owner Stephanie Hart who says the program is saving 23 jobs at her bakery.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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