State Rep. Tom Demmer is encouraging the state to spend the federal stimulus money wisely.
“It is very important that we look to the kinds of programs that we can give businesses grants, give one-time financial aids to these businesses,” Demmer told Rick Koshko of WCMY 1430.
Illinois is expected to receive $13.5 billion from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill wherein the state government would be granted $7.5 billion and $6 billion would be for local governments.
“So as we emerge from COVID, as we reemerge after the pandemic, we have a strong and vibrant economy that can continue to employ people and contribute to their communities all across the state of Illinois,” Demmer continued.
He also recommended that the $3 billion debt from the Federal Reserve should be paid.
Demmer also suggested that “the state should pay the small vendors it owes. They’re waiting for payments and have been hurt by a lack of business during the pandemic,” WCMY 1430 reported.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza has announced that she and the governor agreed to prioritize paying back recently borrowed federal funds from the money that will be allotted to the state, the Prairie State Wire reported.
"Gov. J.B. Pritzker and I have agreed that any stimulus coming to Illinois will first go to pay back the money Illinois borrowed from the Federal Reserve to pay our bills,” Mendoza said.
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