Self-employed and gig workers were finally allowed to file for benefits last week, driving the total to nearly 1.1 million Illinoisans seeking help since COVID-19 hit the state’s economy.
“My store is closed. The morning I had to explain to my staff that I had to lay them off, I cried."
"I just don’t know how much more people can be taxed and remain in business."
"I don’t know what the future is for my business. I know I can’t go 150 days [closed]. There’s no way I will survive. I will have to quit something I’ve done for 22 years."
As new claims overwhelm an unprepared and inefficient system, the state has been pre-approved for a $5 billion loan from the federal government to ensure benefits continue to be paid.
“To the person who doesn’t understand survival as a small business, guess what happens if I close? I have a personal guarantee on everything in this store. I would go bankrupt, period."
Opposition to Pritzker’s order is growing, as small business owners sue to challenge the governor’s ability to order them into ruin.
“My center is family child care. The governor took and suspended all of our licenses throughout the state."
“If I lose my business, I might as well be dead as far as I’m concerned. I’ve done this my whole life. Now that may sound stupid to some people, but it doesn’t to me."
“I was willing to do the shelter-in-place to flatten the curve and do what was needed for the country. In the beginning I think it was the only decision that was able to be made. But after that, nothing is making sense."
The state’s unemployment rate continues to soar as joblessness hits more than 1 in 5 workers.
Small businesses have struggled since their doors were forced to close March 21. A new poll shows 75% of Illinoisans want them to be allowed to reopen now.
‘Restore Illinois’ is short on details about when and how Illinoisans can get back to work.
“How are we supposed to pay our bills? Just keep selling our stuff, until there’s nothing left? But you can’t do that because you have people counting on you."