For many parents who are considered essential, not having child care can be extremely hard on families. Governor JB Pritzker announced in Sunday’s press conference that there will be an expansion for eligibility to support child care needs and financial support as well. Governor Pritzker announced that all essential workers, effective April 1st, qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance Program.

The Governor announced that for emergency child care centers and homes, the state will be paying enhanced reimbursement rates effective April 1st.  The enhanced reimbursement rate is 30 percent above the usual pay rate. The governor says that none of this would be possible without help from the office of early child development. 

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of Public Health, announced 899 new cases of COVID-19 including 31 deaths. This bring the total to 11,256 cases including 274 cases in 71 counties. New counties that are reporting the disease include Boone, Calhoun, and Gallatin. 

You can always visit www.taylorvilledailynews.com or visit www.coronavirus.illinois.gov for more information. Listen to every press conference by Governor Pritzker by tuning into NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms at 2:30 every afternoon.