GRAYSLAKE — In an effort to help people struggling to pay their student loans during the unprecedented economic challenges facing the state and country, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) highlighted relief options that could benefit nearly 140,000 Illinoisans. 

“If you are struggling with student loan debt, please contact your loan providers immediately to discuss a repayment plan that incorporates expanded relief options during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Bush. “Illinoisans should not have to worry about how they will repay their student loans during a national crisis.”

Under the initiative, spearheaded by Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief. 

Borrowers who need assistance are asked to immediately contact their student loan provider to set up a plan. 

Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:

• Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance,
• Waiving late payment fees,
• Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting,
• Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days,
• Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.

If a person is having problems contacting their student loan servicer, they can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456. If Illinois residents have difficulty contacting state agencies at those numbers, they are encouraged to reach out to their state senator’s office. 

Senator Bush’s District Office is serving constituents remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, so please call (847) 548-5631 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.

GRAYSLAKE — The Community Partners for Affordable Housing in Lake County was awarded nearly $500,000 to help area homeowners with repairs, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) announced Friday.

“A sudden need for a home repair can be stressful for anyone," said Bush. "It's even more stressful at a time when money is limited. Some people are already worried about feeding their families. They shouldn't have to worry about fixing the leaking roof over their head, too.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority Board of Directors awarded the Lake County organization $482,000 to help low- and very low-income homeowners with necessary home repairs. The group awarded $11,000,000 statewide through the state’s Single Family Rehabilitation Program. The lump sum is projected to help at least 326 families. 

The Single Family Rehabilitation Program provides forgivable loans of up to $45,000 per household to assist with necessary repairs to remove documented health and safety hazards. Eligible repairs include roofing, flooring and plumbing, among others. 

A roof-only option is also available for people who do not need other repairs. Those recipients are offered up to $16,500 to mitigate against future roof damage. 

“The money awarded to Lake County will change the lives of some people who are stressed about paying for housing repairs, especially at a time where more people are finding themselves on fixed incomes,” Bush said.

Households can apply for grants by contacting Community Partners for Affordable Housing at (847) 263-7478. The group will walk families in need through the application process and explain eligibility. 

STATE OF ILLINOIS COVID-19 WEBSITE

• The State of Illinois has created a website to centralize information about COVID-19’s spread in Illinois and what programs / services are available for affected residents and businessowners. Please visit www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus for all information relating to the virus.

STATE OF ILLINOIS COVID-19 HOTLINE NUMBER

• If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, please call the hotline number: (800) 889-3931

STAY AT HOME ORDER EXTENDED TO APRIL 30th

• On advice of public health officials, Governor Pritzker announced today that the stay at home executive order would be extended through April 30th, 2020

GOING OUTDOORS

• It is strongly recommended that if you need to leave your home and go outdoors, you wear a bandana or mask across your nose and mouth for an additional layer of protection.
• With the arrival of warmer weather, many of us will seek outdoor exercise. Public health officials in Illinois and across the country encourage you to continue practicing social distancing while exercising, and remember to wash your hands and avoid touching your face. It is also recommended you wear a face mask or face covering if possible.
• Lake County Forest Preserves remain open from 6:30 am to sunset during the COVID-19 pandemic, but public buildings, playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Visit www.lcfpd.org for the latest information.

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STATE OF ILLINOIS COVID-19 WEBSITE

• The State of Illinois has created a website to centralize information about COVID-19’s spread in Illinois and what programs / services are available for affected residents and businessowners. Please visit www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus for all information relating to the virus.

STATE OF ILLINOIS COVID-19 HOTLINE NUMBER

• If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, please call the hotline number: (800) 889-3931

STAY AT HOME ORDER EXTENDED TO APRIL 30th

• On advice of public health officials, Governor Pritzker announced today that the stay at home executive order would be extended through April 30th, 2020

ALL IN ILLINOIS INITIATIVE

• All in Illinois is a new initiative to unite Illinois residents across the state and remind us that we are all in this together. Visit: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/allinillinois

ARTS ILLINOIS RELIEF FUND

• A relief fund was created to helps artists, artisans, stage & production members and cultural organizations and many others in Illinois
• To donate or apply for relief or to submit your art, visit: artsforillinois.org 
• artsforillinois.org will be a place for anyone to visit online to experience the collective art in Illinois

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