A few somethings to lighten the day
Monday, Mar 30, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Greg Hinz…
That $2.2 trillion federal stimulus bill does a lot more for small business than many people realize, at least for the first eight weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. But almost certainly more will be needed for that group and a host of others, including cash-strapped state and local governments.
That’s the word from U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, who has focused on small-business issues in his time in D.C. and had some influence on the final stimulus package.
Krishnamoorthi said the bill specifically carves out $377 billion available to almost any small business—defined as a company with fewer than 500 employees, plus sole proprietorships and self-employed individuals. All are entitled to loans equal to two and a half times their costs over an eight-week period. Costs include rent, health insurance and, most important, payroll for workers, including tips.
Those loans will become grants if the business continues to pay its costs, he said. With payroll the biggest cost for most firms, operators will have a big incentive to keep their workers on, converting the loan into a grant, Krishnamoorthi said.
He has more details, so click here.
* IHC Construction Companies…
IHC is working an accelerated schedule to complete the Chicago Veteran's Home in the event the space is needed as an…
Posted by IHC Construction Companies LLC on Monday, March 30, 2020
The company also recently donated N-95 masks to a local pediatrics practice earlier this month.
* Tribune…
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has seen the internet memes that depict her enforcing the state’s stay-at-home order and clearing citizens from the public way. […]
The images, some of which are collected on the “Where’s Lightfoot?” Instagram page, show the city’s mayor blocking the Lakefront Trail and popping up in unexpected places as part of the anti-coronavirus campaign. […]
“I think this is a really difficult time. People are afraid. The stress levels are high. In any difficult time, I think we’ve got to have a sense of balance. Humor is a big part of it. I’ve actually enjoyed them,” Lightfoot said at an unrelated news conference. “We’ve acted out a few in my household at night, which I’ll keep to myself. But I think what it shows is the creativity of people in the city and in the region that despite these dire circumstances, and this virus is deadly serious, that we can also see a lighter side of life.”
She added: “I love them.”
My personal fave…
- Because I said so.... - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 2:35 pm:
These have been great and good to see the Mayor has a sense of humor about it.
- lake county democrat - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 2:55 pm:
Maybe after the worst of the crisis is passed JB and her can work better together on budget and other pre-covad issues. Taking silver linings where I can find them…
- SSL - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 2:58 pm:
There are some funny and creative people out there, and we need them more than ever right now.
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 3:36 pm:
Every out of town and out of country guest who has ever visited us and enjoyed a day at the Art Institute has just been forwarded a photo of the iconic A Sunday on La Grande Jatte -Lightfoot edition. So clever.
- Huh? - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 4:00 pm:
Is da mayor channeling her mom, straight out of the 1960’s?
I told you to come on in when the street lights came on. Well, the street lights are on, where have you been?
- Huh? - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 4:06 pm:
Lori Lightfoot, the mom we need from the 1960’s. Loves you to death, but don’t dare cross.
- SouthSide Markie - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 4:27 pm:
Other public figures, please take notice. Mayor Lightfoot just wrote the textbook on the proper way to respond when people are having a little fun with your public persona. A little humility and humanity goes a long way, especially in times like these.
- Huh? - Monday, Mar 30, 20 @ 8:31 pm:
Lori Lightfoot at this time of crisis kind of reminds me of my 7th grade science teacher, Mrs. Locker. She was a force to be reckoned with. You did your homework her way, only her way or it got handed back to you for correcting. Mrs. Locker didn’t smile until the middle of May. Come beginning of June, she was as nice as can be. But woe to anyone who thought they could put one over on her. She knew every trick in the book and a few more to boot.
I remember being in a rowdy music class when Mrs. Locker came into the room and sat in the back row. It was instantly under control. We were more afraid of Mrs. Locker than the music teacher. She never said a word. All she did was sit in the back row and grade papers.
Lori Lightfoot is the 2020’s version of Mrs. Locker.
50 years later, Mrs. Locker a remarkably and memorable teacher. An indelible figure.