Paycheck Protection Program Update from Illinois Department of Human Services

Dear Community Partners:

In recent days, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has received many important questions about participation in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), such as who should apply, and whether certain organizations meet the PPP’s economic requirements.

First, any IDHS provider whose ability to provide services has been impacted, either in whole or in part, by the COVID-19 pandemic, is strongly encouraged (i) to apply for PPP funding and (ii) if successful in applying, to keep the federal PPP funds provided. If you need additional clarification on this, please reach out to your program division.

IDHS makes this recommendation to maximize funding for State providers and to ensure that limited State funding is stretched as far as possible, particularly in light of increasing economic uncertainty and diminishing State revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As noted previously, providers cannot seek and receive payments from both the State and the federal PPP program for the same cost (i.e. a provider cannot be paid twice for the same obligation). To do so, could result in criminal, civil, regulatory, and/or audit issues for the provider.

Providers whose ability to perform has not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. providers who are able to fully perform and to be paid for that performance) are not encouraged by IDHS to apply, but must make their own, independent determination as to whether they should.

While providers will need to make their own, independent determinations, providers who are unable to perform, either in whole or in part, due to the COVID-19 pandemic should meet the PPP program “current economic uncertainty” requirements, making their “loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the applicant.” This letter can be used in support.

As providers know all-too-well, IDHS and its providers are living through significant economic uncertainty. While IDHS is trying to support providers with retention payments, federal support is necessary to ensure the long-term operations for many providers and to maximize IDHS’s and the State’s limited funding.

We do not know how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last, but we do know that without ongoing federal support, IDHS retention payments for services not performed will not be sustainable. With reduced State revenues, there is uncertainty as to IDHS’s funding capacity, cash flow, and when IDHS’s service delivery system will be able to return to something close to normal.

So, while IDHS is committed to maintaining retention payments, at a minimum, for FY2020, while the pandemic continues, “current economic uncertainty” supports federal funding for providers whose performance has been impacted, both to support providers and to maximize limited State funds.

IDHS is grateful to every provider making good faith efforts to secure and to retain federal funding. Both directly and indirectly, this helps the provider, IDHS, the State, and the social and human services system everyone is counting on to get Illinois through this unprecedented challenge.

Thank you,
Grace B. Hou

Secretary, IDHS

Koehler works to ensure reopening of local state wildlife areas

PEORIA – Following the announcement that Spring Lake and Banner Marsh will not be reopened alongside numerous other parks throughout the state, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) joined fellow downstate Democrats in sending a letter to the governor urging him to work with the legislature to reopen area state parks.

“Parks are a vital resource for every part of our state,” Koehler said. “I’m disappointed central Illinoisans won’t be able to utilize two of our area’s finest natural resources.”

If Spring Lake and Banner Marsh were to reopen, they could provide central Illinoisans with an avenue to safely escape the confines of their homes periodically.

“We are all frustrated by this health crisis and the economic devastation that has resulted in our communities,” Koehler said. “The very least we can do is work to provide the people of central Illinois with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I look forward to working with the administration to make this happen.”

Western Illinois Regional Council Victim Services

Western Illinois Regional Council-Victim Services provides sexual assault counseling for adults, adolescents, children, victims’ significant others, and group counseling. They also provide medical/legal advocacy, civil no-contact orders, emergency shelter, and operate a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims. All of these services are free of charge.

During this time, all forms of interpersonal violence continue to occur. Not only is the violence continuing, but victims are more isolated. Victims may have no one to talk to, and may not be aware that our services continue to be available. Victims are also concerned about receiving medical care due to concerns over COVID – 19.  If a person discloses to you that they have been a victim of sexual violence you can refer them to WIRC and they will receive the adequate resources to handle the situation.

The number for the Fulton County office is 309-333-1934. The after-hours hotline number is 309-837-5555. For additional information visit their website: http://wirpc.org/victim-services/

Koehler urges small business owners to apply for federal assistance

PEORIA – On news that the federal government has restored funding to it, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) urged business owners to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program for small business owners.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and we need them to resume operation once we begin the process of reopening the economy. It’s crucial that local business owners apply for these loans while there is money available,” Koehler said. “If your business qualifies and you need assistance, I implore you to apply as soon as possible.”

The Paycheck Protection Program began taking applications again on Monday. Koehler urges local businesses to submit applications as soon as possible if they wish to take advantage of the business assistance program.

Qualified businesses in one or more of these categories include:

• The self-employed,
• Businesses with fewer than 500 employees,
• Sole proprietors,
• Independent contractors,
• Those designated private non-profit 501(C)(19), and
• Veteran-owned organizations

The loan is meant to keep small business workers on the payroll, and it will be forgiven if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities.

For more information, visit SBA’s website.