The COVID-19 pandemic proved especially difficult for small businesses along Illinois’ borders, as shutdowns led customers to go elsewhere. State Rep. Mike Halpin is leading the effort to help them recover and thrive.
Halpin, D-Rock Island, is the leading sponsor behind Senate Bill 3930, which has been signed into law.
The measure expands the Illinois Home Grown Business Opportunity Act, created several years ago, to focus on helping communities and small businesses along Illinois’ borders. A special Border Community COVID-19 Mitigation Grant Program will be created through state government to steer dollars and opportunities directly to border areas, and the program also will study and recommend best practices to encourage stronger economic development efforts along the borders.
Halpin said he chose to get behind expanding this grant program because he saw firsthand how communities and employers in his district struggled under the weight of the pandemic.
“We have provided billions of dollars to help Illinoisans across our great state dig out of the financial burden left behind by COVID-19. It’s only right and fair that we make an effort to do the same for cities and businesses along the Mississippi River and our other borders, because the competitive marketplace has left many of them behind,” Halpin said.
“In the Senate, I will fight to make sure this program is fully funded, improving our local economy by helping the small business community get their fair share.”