As the deadline for the 2020 Census approaches at the end of this month, State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) is working to ensure that constituents have every opportunity to be counted in this process.
The Census is mandated by the United States Constitution and is a count of the United States population that takes place every ten years.
The Census helps the Federal Government collect important data such as population, race, and gender. It also plays a large role in how the government allocates funds to our communities. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed based on Census data.
Because of its importance, Sen. Plummer’s office will be offering constituents an opportunity to fill out the 2020 Census during the upcoming Vandalia Farmers Market on Sept. 12.
Come out between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and my staff will be set up at 310 West Gallatin Street to help residents complete the 2020 Census.
Reservations are highly recommended and interested participants can call 618-283-3000 to reserve their time slot.
Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are required.
September is National Preparedness Month in Illinois
Aimed at encouraging emergency planning efforts and awareness, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is reminding the public that September is National Preparedness Month.
As residents continue to confront the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, IEMA and local emergency managers are underscoring the need to be prepared for potential emergencies at home, at work and in the community.
During September, residents are encouraged to consider COVID-19 guidelines when evaluating and improving their family emergency plan.
Some helpful planning tips include:
- Make a plan for when a disaster strikes and know which types of disasters could affect your area.
- Build a kit with basic survival items necessary during an emergency and keep them at home, at work and in your car. It is recommended that you include face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in your emergency supply kit to address the current COVID-19 environment.
- Prepare for disasters by practicing drills, walking through procedures and even taking time to prepare a quarantine space in your home with a two-week supply of groceries.
- Teach kids how to prepare for disasters and get them involved in disaster planning. Ready Kids website has a variety of tools and information that can be incorporated into lesson planning for educators statewide.
For more information about emergency and disaster preparedness, visit ready.illinois.gov.
Moratorium on Residential Disconnections Voluntarily Extended by Several Utilities
On Sept. 2, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced that several of the state’s regulated electric, natural gas, water and sewer utilities have voluntarily agreed to extend their moratoriums on disconnections for residential customers.
The following companies have agreed to extend their moratoriums until Sept. 30: Nicor Gas, Northshore/Peoples Gas, Illinois American Water, Aqua Illinois, and Utility Services of Illinois. Ameren Illinois and ComEd have agreed to extend their moratoriums through Sept. 10.
Consumer Gas and Liberty Utilities previously agreed to not disconnect customers until six months after the stipulated moratorium period expired, which was on June 26, taking their moratoriums well past September.
On June 18, the ICC approved the landmark COVID-19 utility relief stipulated agreements, which were the result of negotiations between 13 utility companies, consumer advocacy groups and parties. To learn more about the ICC’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.icc.illinois.gov/home/covid-19.
Tax credit details announced for low-income housing program
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has announced details for the 2021 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which helps subsidize the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income tenants.
For 9% LIHTC credits, Preliminary Project Assessments (PPA) are due by October 2nd, 2020, and PPA’s for 4% LIHTC credits are due by December 31st, 2020.
For more information on the program, click here.