Mask Enforcement, Federal Update

Mask Requirements and Enforcement

As a reminder, masks are now required in indoor public settings for all persons over 2 years old - regardless of vaccination status - in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout the state of Illinois.

The IRA has been informed of increased enforcement of mask requirements from local and state authorities.

Review the requirements for the state of Illinois and Chicago/Cook County to ensure that your business is in compliance.

90 Second Federal Update

The National Restaurant Association's latest 90-Second Video Update is out, covering all that’s happening in Washington, DC and the impact on the restaurant industry. We’re in the midst of a busy time in Congress. With the reconciliation bill and focus on the debt ceiling as current congressional priorities, the restaurant industry cannot afford for Congress to lose sight of the critical need to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). And, we certainly can’t let Congress put in place tax hikes on small businesses.  

We need you to stay engaged and keep sending the message to Congress that restaurants are still struggling and now is not the time to impose tax increases on an incredibly vulnerable industry actually going in reverse, according to our latest economic research.

Thank you for continued support. We will keep you updated on the latest developments.

Cook County Board President Preckwinkle Releases FY22 Executive Budget Recommendation

Yesterday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle presented a proposed $8 billion Executive Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2022. The proposal does not increase taxes or cut critical services.

President Preckwinkle noted that the County was able to close a $121.43 million budget gap without the need for raising new revenue. A combination of financially responsible efforts, federal relief and recovery aid, and a higher than previously forecasted revenue helped close the substantial general fund budget hole. Higher than previously forecasted revenue figures were primarily found in newer tax sources like cannabis, gaming, and online sales and have also helped balance this budget without the need for taxes.

Cook County will use nearly a quarter of the billion American Rescue Plan Act dollars to fund programs in alignment with the Cook County Policy Roadmap, including $80M to fund economic development initiatives like cash assistance programs and a guaranteed income pilot, short and long-term housing support, workforce development program expansions, and assistance to small businesses.

All FY2022 budget information has been posted to the Cook County website, allowing the public to review documents and engage with the President’s Office directly. An interactive budget website has been launched and provides interactive, historic data and detailed budget information.

Download the Budget at Glance document here. Click here to read the full announcement.

Deadline Approaching for Back to Business Grant Applications

There is less than a week left to apply for a Back to Business grant, as the application closes Wednesday, October 13.

Sign up for one on one assistance here, or click here to submit your application before the deadline.

Grubhub And Restaurant Strong Fund to Give $4 Million to Restaurants - Applications Open Next Week

Yesterday, Grubhub and The Greg Hill Foundation's Restaurant Strong Fund announced they will be giving $4 million in grants to support restaurants across the country that have been working hard to survive the pandemic.

Ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, the grants are part of the Restaurant Strong Fund's All Day campaign and will help restaurant owners fund indoor and outdoor dining improvements, equipment and technology maintenance and upgrades, marketing and promotion efforts, staff hiring and training, Covid-19 compliance, and infrastructure improvements.

Starting October 13 through October 20, the Restaurant Strong Fund will accept grant applications from the first 500 restaurants (with five or fewer locations) located in Chicago and six other cities. The application period will close on October 20 and grants will be fully distributed to restaurants in mid-November. Interested restaurants can learn more about the grants and how to apply here.

Click here to learn more.

Sam Toia Talks with Wall Street Journal on Outdoor Dining Plans for Winter

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia recent spoke with the Wall Street Journal about how restaurants are once again investing in outdoor dining as colder weather approaches.

Click here to read the article.