News

As Illinois’ small business community continues to confront the daily consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to encourage local small business owners to take advantage of an upcoming informational business webinar.  

Small businesses looking to keep workers on the payroll have a new option in the Paycheck Protection Program. Starting now, small businesses may apply for loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that will be forgiven loans for businesses that keep all employees on the payroll for eight weeks. Money must be used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

Below is a letter I sent to DOC Director Rob Jeffrey's concerning protocols and precautions in place at DOC facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases growing daily, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced that he will be extending the state’s disaster proclamation for 30 days. This is the second disaster declaration issued by the Governor in hopes of combating the ongoing COVID-19 health issue. 

On March 25, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that the state’s income tax deadline will be extended from April 15 to July 15.

Illinois' current income tax filing deadline is April 15. Recently, the federal government has already pushed back the income tax filing deadline from April 15 to July 15. 

With the Governor having recently issued a stay-at-home order lasting until Tuesday, April 7, I wanted to reach out to make you aware that constituent services are still available through my Harrisburg office via phone and e-mail.

In an effort to increase the number of medical personnel available to handle increased patient loads at Illinois hospitals, a call has been issued to former doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, and respiratory care therapists who have recently left the medical field to join the fight against COVID-19.

The Governor has issued a stay-at-home order starting at 5 PM Saturday, March 21, until Tuesday, April 7. We want to make sure you understand what this means for you and dispel some rumors you may have heard.  

Updated information on small business assistance, grocery stores, education and more...

In light of ongoing concerns and questions surrounding COVID-19, we’ve pulled together information on a number of topics that impact daily life.

In light of ongoing concerns and questions surrounding COVID-19, we’ve pulled together information on a number of topics that impact daily life.

According to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the federal emergency declaration has added flexibility to the Medicaid system that will help cover costs involved with testing for and treating patients for COVID-19.

For individuals, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will postpone the April 15 federal tax-payment deadline for another 90 days. The IRS will also waive interest and penalties. This delay is available to people who owe $1 million or less. Go to https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) To protect employees and the public through social distancing, Illinois Department of Employment Security Offices are closed until further notice.

All restaurants and bars will close tonight through March 30, but you can still support these small businesses by utilizing drive-thru, delivery and curbside pickup where offered. Also, consider buying gift cards online to use later. This small step can help these local businesses get through this difficult time.

In light of ongoing health concerns surrounding the coronavirus/COVID-19 health crisis, a number of Illinois’ utility companies have announced measures being taken to help alleviate unnecessary stress and burdens for Illinois residents.

Lawmakers will return to Springfield for scheduled session on March 24. Meanwhile, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) spent this week in District speaking with students at the annual Harrisburg High School Career Fair, meeting with local officials and touring the LaFargeHolcim plant in Joppa.

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) provided the following update on ongoing work being conducted at the Golconda Marina: “With the flooding of the Ohio River this year, there was extensive damage to the docks at the Golconda Marina. Given the damage and concerns for public safety, the docks had to be closed. However, the marina has been scheduled to undergo repairs beginning soon. As repairs are made to the various docks on the property, it is my understanding that the Marina will be reopening in phases so that boat owners will have access to their boats,” said Sen. Fowler. “While the flooding damage was unexpected and a setback for the Marina, I’m encouraged to see swift repairs beings made to the property. Work and maintenance to our state parks and facilities are truly an investment in the future of Southern Illinois, attracting visitors and boosting tourism.”

On March 4, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) addressed members of the Illinois Senate to recognize Corporal William Lee Brown, a Benton-native killed in action during the Korean War.

Illinois lawmakers received an update March 5 on the status of Coronavirus (COVID-19) from state Public Health officials who are encouraging the public to help prevent the spread of the virus.

FFA students and agricultural advocates from throughout Illinois descended on the Capitol for Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day (IALD) on March 3.

More than four dozen students from the 59th District traveled to the Capitol March 3 to participate in the spring meeting of State Sen. Dale Fowler’s (R-Harrisburg) Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is one of only nine state senators with a 90 percent or higher voting record on the 2019 Legislative Scorecard released by the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA).

After receiving notice that Governor Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2021 Capital budget had been filed and includes funding for the Alexander-Cairo Port Dis Update on Cairo River Port Terminal: Cairo to become the nation’s hub for river port transportation, says Fowler trict, State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) is cautiously optimistic that the Cairo River Port Terminal project is gaining momentum.