In these uncertain times, we all have a lot of questions. As your lawmaker, one of my most important jobs is providing you with useful, accurate information.

I wanted to take a moment to share information on recently expanded child care programs and what’s available for rent and mortgage assistance. Finally, there’s also a reminder we are all dealing with a lot of stress and it can take its toll. There’s a number below and additional information should you need it.

Together, we will come out of this situation stronger than before.

Child care assistance

Essential workers in Illinois are now eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program.

The expansion includes nurses and doctors, supporting staff in hospitals, grocery store clerks and food producers. Most expenses of emergency childcare centers and homes will be covered. Emergency childcare centers will receive additional reimbursement rates above their usual pay rate.

Child care centers interested in re-opening as emergency child centers are able to apply for a permit through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. To apply, click here. 

Home child care providers do not need a permit and can serve up to six children.

For more information on assistance available at the Department of Human Services visit: DHS.illinois.gov/helpishere and coronavirus.illinois.gov. 

Rent and debt resources

If you are experiencing problems with paying your rent or mortgage, or have other debt issues as a result of COVID-19, please continue reading, as this newsletter may be helpful to you and understanding your rights.

Many landlords are understanding, so I encourage you to contact your landlord first, if you haven’t already. However, here are some resources that could help, if you and your landlord can’t reach an agreement.

• The state has put a moratorium on evictions (as well as utility disconnections) while Illinois’ Stay at Home Order is in place, which is currently set through April 30. However, you are still responsible for paying your rent and bills.

• Debt collectors are not allowed to visit you in person during this time. They can still call, however.

• Some local agencies are providing assistance to those who are struggling to pay rent. You are encouraged to contact your local homelessness prevention provider. They may be able to help bridge the gap if you need assistance to avoid homelessness or eviction.

• To learn more about unemployment compensation, visit the Department of Employment Security’s website. It is experiencing heavier than usual traffic right now, so if it’s down when you try to visit, check back later.

Managing mental health

Many Illinoisans have spent weeks self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak, and some are now feeling more stress and worry due to the constant unknown and lack of social interaction.

The West Suburban Cook County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health offers specialized resources for individuals who may need assistance through a crisis line. The number for the line is available 24 hours, seven days a week and can be reached at 708-524-2582. The hotline can direct you to a comprehensive suicide hotline, suicide intervention and prevention, and over-the-phone counseling.

Harmon also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:

    • Connecting with friends and family online,

    • Keeping regular work hours while at home,

    • Preparing healthy meals,

    • Exercising regularly, and

    • Staying up to date with accurate information.

The governor’s Stay at Home Order means many people are disconnected from their usual social circles. It’s important to continue to follow recommendations from state and federal health officials and stay home as much as possible.

However, there are many ways to feel more connected to your community while practicing social distancing—help out your neighbors safely by donating your dollars, time, or talent to COVID-19 relief efforts.

Senate President Don Harmon outlines ways you can lend a hand below:

Volunteer with Serve Illinois

Serve Illinois connects healthy volunteers with community service opportunities. During the COVID-19 outbreak, several civic and faith-based organizations, especially those organizations that focus on homelessness, meal delivery and senior citizens are in need of extra help. Find a statewide list of volunteer needs here.

Check on your family, friends, and neighbors

Seniors and immunocompromised individuals are at especially high risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. For many of them, simple errands—like going to the grocery store or the pharmacy—may put their lives in danger. Call, text, or video chat your friends and loved ones to ask how you can help. Even if they have everything they need, it could comfort them to hear a friendly voice.

Give blood

Social distancing measures have resulted in the cancellation of many blood drives in the state, but a blood shortage would only worsen the health care crisis we are facing right now. The American Red Cross is looking for healthy, eligible individuals to donate blood. Sign up to donate or volunteer here.

A blood drive will also be hosted at First United Methodist Church in Oak Park on April 20. To sign up to donate, please click here.

Assist your local food bank

With schools closed and many Illinoisans out of work, some households are running low on food. That’s why local food pantries are especially important right now.

Beyond Hunger, an Oak Park-based food pantry, is working to meet the basic needs of the community while keep people safe. The organization is not taking tangible donations at this time, but asks those willing and able to make a financial contribution. To donate, click here or call 708-386-1324.

Donate supplies to first responders

Health care workers across Illinois are in need of personal protective equipment, or PPE. If you or your business would like to donate unopened, factory-made masks, gowns, gloves, or other protective gear, contact Serve Illinois here. Note: The state is not accepting homemade supplies, but your local first responders might be able to use these items—contact them directly for more information.

Do what you can to help others in little ways, too.

• Make sure everyone has access to basic necessities by buying only what you need—no need to hoard.
• Order delivery from local restaurants or buy a gift card from your favorite boutique to keep small businesses afloat.
• Complete the census online or by mail to ensure our communities receive the funding they need.
• Stay home as much as possible to protect others from the spread of coronavirus.

SPRINGFIELD – After representing the people of Oak Park and the state of Illinois for more than 17 years, Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) looks forward to serving as the 39^th Senate president, and thanks his colleagues for recognizing his legislative accomplishments and for believing in his ability to lead the chamber.

“The Senate is a collection of diverse views and diverse experiences but consistent purpose—to best represent the citizens who send us to the Capitol, to collaborate, to compromise, and to create better opportunities, better outcomes, and greater faith in the honor and integrity of our state,” President Harmon said.

Senate President Harmon was first elected to the Senate in the fall of 2002, and has since promoted a progressive agenda based on his commitment to social justice and public service. In 2011, former-Senate President John Cullerton appointed him president pro tempore, offering Harmon a key role in shaping policy and moving legislation through the Senate.

Notable legislation spearheaded by Senate President Harmon include the Preschool for All Program to expand access to preschool opportunities for thousands of Illinois families, a law to make same-day voter registration a permanent option, and the Fair Tax constitutional amendment to allow Illinois to vote to replace the current flat income tax with a fairer, more equitable and efficient approach to lower tax rates for lower income levels.

“The work now begins in earnest,” President Harmon said. “I look forward to joining together with Governor Pritzker and leaders in both chambers as we work to change the trajectory of our state and set a better course for our future.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The rising price of insulin has forced more and more Illinoisans to make a choice between putting food on their family’s table and purchasing medication they need to survive.

State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) praised his colleague State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) for working tirelessly to cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply.

Harmon co-sponsored Senate Bill 667, which passed the Senate and is headed to the full House for consideration.

“If you have diabetes, insulin is not optional, and no one should have to worry about how they will afford their next prescription,” Harmon said. “I am proud to have sponsored this bill, which will put fewer people’s lives at risk through rationing their supply or seeking a lower quality option.”

About 1.3 million adults in Illinois have diabetes – 12.5% of the state’s population – according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Those people are forced to pay approximately $475 monthly on insulin, the Health Care Cost Institute reports.

“As lawmakers, we are responsible for prioritizing the health and well-being of all residents of Illinois,” Harmon said. “The passage of this measure is a step in the right direction to help thousands of people in need. I urge the members of the House to support SB 667.”

If passed by the House and signed by the governor, who previously pledged his support of the measure, Illinois will be the second state in the country to cap out-of-pocket prices.