Friends,
We find ourselves living in unprecedented times. There is great unease in just about every corner of our world. I’m sending this to you in hopes of keeping you both informed and aware of the wide range of information and resources that are available.
I’m hopeful that the actions taken by Governor Pritzker will go a long way toward a more limited impact to Illinois as compared to states or countries that waited too long to act. He is operating under his emergency executive powers and taking action that he deems appropriate to save lives of Illinois residents.
The Illinois General Assembly had three weeks of session cancelled. However, there will be critical emergency bills that we need to address before much longer. My peers and I will need to meet at some point and the agenda will focus on emergency measures to support Illinois families, hospitals and small businesses moving forward.
I’ve heard from worried spouses, stressed grocery employees, front line healthcare workers, parents figuring out their kids learning, and business owners worried about payroll and viability when this is through. Tomorrow looks cloudy because today is uncertain.
I’ve also heard from parents noting the enjoyment they’ve had with the time they are spending with their kids. I’ve had others remark on home improvements or spring cleaning. Still others have noted the great books they are reading or shows binge watched. Many on social media have commented on the meals they are making as a family (some very funny) and others on the remarkable take-out meals they’ve had from local restaurants.
As I’ve reached out and spoken to essential workers, seniors, parents, social service agencies, local government units, schools and employers there’s two things that stand out. First is their spirit and second is their recognition that soon recovery will start.
I hope these resources are helpful. Please reach out if there’s some help or guidance we can offer.
Thank you and God bless,
Jeff
Please click on the following links for specific information on various topics related to COVID-19:
State of Illinois COVID-19 Response: The Governor’s coronavirus web page and daily address video/audio updates from Governor Pritzker
State Rep. Jeff Keicher’s COVID-19 updates: Latest News, Ways You Can Help, & More
What You Need to Know about COVID-19: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits: Illinois Department of Employment Security
K-12 Education | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources: Illinois State Board of Education
College/University | COVID-19 Updates from Higher Education Institutions: Illinois Board of Higher Education
LOCAL RESOURCES:
DeKalb County Government Health Department: https://health.dekalbcounty.org/
*To arrange donation of personal protective equipment (PPE), contact COVID19@dekalbcounty.org or call 815 748-2431
Kane County Government Health Department: http://kanehealth.com/
Boone County Health Department: https://www.boonecountyil.org/department/health
DeKalb County UNITES: https://www.dekalbcountyunites.com/
From the Daily Chronicle: “Uniting for DeKalb County: new initiative builds small business network to spread support”
Give DeKalb County (May 7): https://www.givedekalbcounty.org/
On May 7, 2020 donors of all ages and various interests have the opportunity to express their generosity through Give DeKalb County, a 24-hour fundraising event. This day of giving builds community, encourages philanthropy, connects donors to nonprofits, promotes collaboration, and raises awareness of the nonprofit sector in DeKalb County.
LOCAL NEWS:
Sycamore company that puts on concert tours now manufacturing medical devices
Whiskey Acres to distill hand sanitizer for local hospital workers, first responders
Your take-out guide to dining in DeKalb County during coronavirus closures (real time updates)
Coronavirus cancellations: real time updates as DeKalb County events, places amend plans