* Dewitt Daily News…
Hundreds of millions of dollars were distributed by the federal government to municipalities across the country but in Illinois, local governments have yet to see those dollars because Governor JB Pritzker has not released them.
Congressman Rodney Davis wants to know why those dollars are not going to communities in Illinois when many are already planning on struggles once the coronavirus has been defeated. Congressman Davis says programs like the PPP helped small businesses and their employees, it is time to help local governments.
The Congressman from Taylorville says it is too soon to start talking about more stimulus bills before we know what the economy looks like as Americans begin getting back to work. He says there is still stimulus money to be distributed, and those dollars need to get out before they disperse more.
* I asked the governor’s press secretary about the alleged holdup. Jordan Abudayyeh’s reply…
Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, and Kane County all received direct funding from the federal government under the CARES Act.
That leaves 97 counties and approximately 1200 cities outside the collars without funding. We have been working with the IML for several weeks on a plan to allocate the remaining portion of local money not claimed by Chicago and the collar counties, approximately $800 million, to those municipalities. In order to do this, the administration has proposed creating a grant program through DCEO.
This requires legislation and we have presented this plan to all four caucuses of the General Assembly for their consideration. We look forward to Congressman Davis supporting that plan when the General Assembly returns to Springfield.
Congressman Davis should’ve probably read the bill he voted for.
- Data Guy - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 2:48 pm:
Doesn’t sound like bill specifically say it has to go through a grant process through DCEO. Interesting that Pritzker Admin wants legislative input on this but not on the plan to reopen Illinois.
- question for the cheap seats - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 2:49 pm:
I thought the Governor previously said the CARES Act money was not subject to appropriation?
- WLDS - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 2:53 pm:
The mantra of our newsroom:
Read the bill and follow the money.
- Donnie Elgin - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 2:56 pm:
Congressman Davis should’ve probably read the bill he voted for.
Rodney should have read - but MJM should call a session .
- Norseman - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 2:57 pm:
Besides the admonishment from Rich, there are other actions he could have taken to get information. The Governor’s Office and each agency have legislative liaisons who are hired to respond to congressional and General Assembly inquiries. If Davis or his staff had inquired, they would have gotten the information.
Of course, Davis is more interested in making a political statement.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 2:59 pm:
=== Congressman Davis should’ve probably read the bill he voted for.===
He gets to ride on Air Force One… so there’s that.
I’d like to hear his thoughts, especially how Chicago and the region is demonized… and his thoughts and it’s aftermath.
- Norseman - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
I should have noted that the Governor also has a special office in DC for these guys. But this is still about the politics for Davis.
- austinman - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
will the politics ever stop geesh just do you job in helping people during these crazy times, all the Congressman had to was call the Illinois office in DC, and found out exactly what he wanted to know, but now this shows he is a Congressman that doesnt read bills nor the legislative review of the bill, just want staff says do.. wait or Trump
- Anon62704 - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
It should be noted that CARES Act $ can only be used for COVID related expenses. State & Locals need more $ to address revenue loss.
- The Old Man - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:17 pm:
On a reread it sounds like the Press Secretary thinks Congressman is in the General Assembly. maybe a civics lesson is in order here for the Governor’s spokesman!
- Lynn S. - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:22 pm:
@OW,
I have the misfortune of having Where’s Rodney as my Congress critter.
I can tell you that he doesn’t give 2 beans about Chicago or the collars, unless he’s receiving a check from somebody up there.
As far as Covid-19 goes, I have no doubt he’s unhappy about how sales at his family’s multiple McDonald’s have declined. He probably opposes the EOs because his donors are making less money, and thus unable to send large checks to him. (I’m certain he sends them nice notes to thank them for the medium-sized checks, in the hope they’ll give him larger checks in the future.). He piously mouths his sorrow at the folks who have passed. (Wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to find out that if any of his family members get sick, he plans to elbow or bribe his way into some remdesivir.)
I’m on Team Betsy. Can’t get rid of him soon enough.
- Excitable Boy - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
Did Rodney wake up and realize he might need to start looking after his district? Bad poll come in? Dude has been too busy riding the Trump train to actually read bills, he might want to brush up on that in case he’s a lobbyist by this time next year.
- Hon. Don Gerard - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:24 pm:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS/WCCU) — The City of Champaign is asking the community for input on where to spend the Federal Covid-19 stimulus funds.
At the beginning of April, the city was notified that it would receive an allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds to be used to prevent and respond to the coronavirus.
In order to best decide what to do with the funds, which total about $592,000, a public comment period will be held from May 15 to May 20.
Comments should be sent via email at neighborhoodservices@champaignil.gov or by calling 217-403-7070.
A public hearing will also be held on May 19 at 7 p.m. at the regular city council meeting.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:27 pm:
Congressman Davis was proud of that vote, as I recall?
I’d like to hear his thoughts now.
The locals should be confused… how come Rodney Davis is helpin’ She-Caw-Go… where’s what’s needed for downstate?
- Rich Miller - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
Data Guy, the only municipalities guaranteed funding under that plan were those 500,000 or more.