Working for Illinois Caucus

GURNEE – In honor of National Emergency Medical Services Week, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is thanking first responders for their work throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“We often think of first responders when we find ourselves in an accident or the victim of a crime, but police officers, firefighters and paramedics are helping people in emergency situations every hour of every day,” Mason said in a news release. “As many of us stay home, first responders continue going out into our community to do lifesaving work. The care they provide is vital, especially during this difficult time, but the nature of their work also puts them and their families at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.”�

To keep emergency medical services personnel and those in their homes better protected from the coronavirus, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that personnel change clothes before returning home from work, launder their work clothes in the warmest water possible and wash their hands thoroughly after touching any piece of potentially contaminated work gear. The Illinois Department of Public Health’s list of COVID-19 guidance for first responders can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov/ems-first-responders.��

ROUND LAKE BEACH – As the economic tolls from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to cause financial hardship for small-business owners, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is encouraging Latino business owners to complete a short survey detailing how the public health crisis has impacted their business to find ways to get relief.

“While the financial struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected many, small-business owners have been particularly impacted by this crisis,” Yingling said. “In order to find the best ways to provide relief, I am highly encouraging Latino business owners to complete a short survey on how this pandemic has affected them and their business.”

The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, a part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, is collecting feedback that includes how businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 and assistance needs. The OMEE will evaluate each business and provide owners with potential resources to find relief.

To complete the survey in English, visit�bit.ly/LatinxSurveyIL. To complete the survey in Spanish, visit�bit.ly/EmpresasLatinasIL.

ROUND LAKE BEACH – With the COVID-19 pandemic causing financial hardship for residents, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is highlighting efforts to make utility bills more affordable throughout the public health crisis.

“High utility bills can cause undue stress on residents, which is why I applaud the various efforts being made to cut down on these costs and give families relief,” Yingling said.

During the pandemic, residents have multiple ways to save on utility bills. Throughout the stay-at-home order’s duration, all utility companies have suspended disconnections and late fees. ComEd has extended these suspensions through the end of June. In addition, the Citizens Utility Board is offering virtual utility bill clinics in which residents can send in their utility bills and have a CUB specialist analyze them and identify hidden fees and unnecessary costs that can be cut. The application period for LIHEAP has been extended to June 30, which can help those under a certain income threshold with their energy bills.

For information on the CUB virtual utility bill clinics, visit their website at https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2020/03/13/introducing-cubs-virtual-utility-bill-clinic/.

For information or to apply for LIHEAP, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/UtilityBillAssistance/Pages/HowtoApply.aspx.�

With lawmakers set to return to Springfield this week, state Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) is preparing for continued discussions about how the COVID-19 health crisis has affected education and how to best meet the needs of teachers, students and their families. 

“For the past several weeks, we have been meeting remotely in bipartisan working groups to discuss all aspects of managing the current crisis and moving toward recovery,” Stuart said. “Education is one area that has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. As the end of the school year changed to remote and online learning, and with questions surrounding the start of school for the fall, schools and students are facing new challenges.”

As a member of the Elementary and Secondary Education working group, Stuart has participated in numerous discussions about the impacts of school closures and how to bridge the digital divide that hinders learning for students without access to technology to do their schoolwork at home. The working group has also discussed additional supports for teachers, such as implementing a mentor program, to help minimize teacher turnover and retain high-quality educators during and beyond the pandemic.

“Every student in Illinois deserves access to a quality education, even during a pandemic when learning looks very different,” Stuart said. “We have had some productive conversations about how to help both students and educators overcome the short and long-term challenges associated with COVID-19, and I am eager to continue this work when we’re back in session.”

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To better protect tax filers from falling victim to fraud, state Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) is highlighting emerging scams used to gain access to sensitive tax information and bank accounts.

“Being aware of common scams is the best way to protect yourself from losing money to a scammer,” Stuart said. “We’ve heard stories lately of individuals being put into compromising financial situations due to COVID-related tax scams. As criminals become more creative, it’s important to know about their tactics and the ways the IRS does contact people, so you can identify a scam when you see one.”

In the past year, the IRS has noticed an increase in scams to access taxpayers’ bank accounts and personal information, particularly during tax season. Over email, scam artists often pose as tax preparation services to trick people into giving up personal data, or clicking on links to malicious websites or fake PDFs that download viruses or malware onto their computer. Scammers may also call pretending to be from the IRS, claiming that a victim owes money and threatening arrest if they don’t comply. Stuart is reminding residents that the IRS will always mail a bill before calling to discuss taxes owed and will not ask for sensitive information over text or email. 

“If someone unexpectedly contacts you by phone, email or text message about tax matters, or with information about your stimulus payment, be mindful that it’s not really the IRS,” Stuart said. “Scammers are still at work during the pandemic, but by staying vigilant and not responding to unsolicited requests for personal information, you can keep yourself safe this tax season.”

If individuals suspect that they have received a scam call or email, they should contact the Attorney General’s Office Consumer Fraud Hotline   1-800-243-0618 to help protect others. For more information about COVID-related fraud, visit https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/

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ROUND LAKE BEACH – With the modified stay-at-home order taking effect May 1, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is reminding residents that state parks are partially reopened and available for residents to visit.

“With the weather continuing to get warmer, it is a great time to utilize the many amazing state parks that Illinois is home to,” Yingling said in a news release. “Visiting a state park is a great way to get outdoors while also maintaining social distancing during this pandemic.”

Many state parks in Illinois, including Chain O’Lakes in Spring Grove, are partially available for public use. Visitors will be able to engage in activities such as wildlife observation, hiking, biking and fishing. Facilities such as visitor centers, campgrounds and beaches will remain closed.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Pages/default.aspx.�