DCEO updates Illinois lawmakers about BIG program

Posted on December 2, 2020
DCEO said $65 million dollars in grants have already been doled out to hard-hit restaurants and bars. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – An update for lawmakers about the governor’s Business Interruption Grants program included a little friction.

State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) asked Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity assistant director Michael Negron why businesses had to comply with the governor’s orders – issued without legislative involvement – in order to receive a grant.

Seeing as how the BIG program is part of the overall COVID-19 response, said Negron, “it is the view of the administration that it is important to ensure that the recipients are complying with public health measures.”

“Is that really your role?” asked Caulkins. “To ensure that the people that need this money be bludgeoned by your administration?”

“It’s a question of fairness,” Negron replied. “There are many more businesses that comply with the mitigations.”

DCEO said $65 million dollars in grants have already been doled out to hard-hit restaurants and bars.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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