What to do about Galesburg’s water shut-offs for those unable to pay during the pandemic with so many jobless?

The City of Galesburg ended their 3-month moratorium on water-line shut-offs in June, “as Illinois entered its fourth phase of reopening”, which definitely did not find everyone back at the jobs they previously held.  Many workers were displaced, few businesses are hiring, many of our neighbors are in dire straits.  Now is not the time to lift the moratorium on disconnections, as people try to figure out how to pay their rent/mortgage, utilities, buy food, keep their vehicles & car insurance & other needs.  I was heartened to see  Peter Schwartzman, Bruce Weik & others come out ‘fighting’ for those about to lose access to water in their homes during a pandemic.   The City should discontinue late fees; and maybe the big monetary grants to ‘events’ shouldn’t have been passed.  The economic downturn will probably deepen as this year runs into 2021.  Rent/mortgage SHORT-TERM help is available in Illinois; apply NOW at: ema.ihda.org.

Trish Forsyth Voss