Durbin, Duckworth, Illinois Delegation Discuss COVID-19 With Chicago Mayor Lightfoot
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with several members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, spoke with Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot about Chicago’s ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response and how they can continue to assist her efforts to protect Illinoisans as the state re-opens. The group discussed how federal support can provide Illinois families and businesses with relief from the health and economic consequences of the pandemic, and what should be included in the next COVID-19 relief bill being debated this month in Congress. The group also discussed efforts to increase testing capabilities, protect expanded unemployment insurance benefits, provide funding for state and local governments, and combat health disparities by working with hospitals and a range of neighborhood stakeholders in underserved and hard-hit areas.
“Mayor Lightfoot has displayed incredible leadership during this public health and economic crisis. We continued our conversations about how the federal government can assist Chicago in responding to the challenges posed by this pandemic as we re-open society,” Durbin said. “We understand that this pandemic is far from over and that the highest priority is the health and safety of families across Illinois who are in need of care or financial relief.”
“Mayor Lightfoot has shown exemplary leadership in letting science guide her response to the duel economic and health crises caused by this pandemic, and her efforts have helped keep countless Chicagoans safe,” said Duckworth. “As the Senate moves to consider a new relief package, I’ll continue working alongside Senator Durbin to make sure Chicago and all of Illinois receive the federal resources needed to continue weathering this storm that is far from over.”
The group also discussed the Department of Justice (DOJ) announcing an expansion of Operation Legend to Chicago, Illinois. Operation Legend is DOJ’s violent crime reduction initiative with the stated goal to provide support and assistance to state and local law enforcement partners as they work to combat violent crime, and gun violence in particular.
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