Davis Highlights Constituent Services in 2020: A Year Like No Other

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following information about his congressional office's work to help people struggling during the Coronavirus pandemic. The office set a record of 2,000 completed cases and achieved a 99% satisfaction rate. These numbers cover the 2020 calendar year.

"I am extremely proud of the support my staff and I have been able to provide to my constituents during a year like no other," said Davis. "People and small businesses were hurting across America and my district was no different. Workers who had never applied for unemployment before, or never thought they'd need a check from the U.S. Treasury just to pay their bills were suddenly forced to confront the bureaucracy of government. Citizens found themselves stranded as a pandemic closed the borders of the world. Small businesses found themselves needing help from the government just to stay afloat at no fault of their own. My staff and I were there for those we are blessed to serve and will continue to be until this virus is defeated and beyond."

2,000 Completed Cases

That is triple the amount of cases completed in 2019 and double the previous high set in 2014 fueled by veterans needing help during the scandal at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The top three issues addressed were related to unemployment, taxes, and international travel. There was also a significant increase in small businesses seeking out assistance.

470 Unemployment Cases

33 or 7% of these cases were taken on pre-COVID during the first 3 months of the year which is a regular amount by normal standards. However, as government-mandated shutdowns closed businesses and Congress responded by bolstering unemployment benefits we saw an unprecedented influx in those needing financial assistance. The most common issues were complaints about the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) being slow to implement the expanded benefits and that once they were implemented constituents could not reach anyone at the agency if they needed help. Our office gave constituents the best available information and guidance as Governor Pritzker and his administration repeatedly failed those most impacted by the pandemic.

400 Tax Cases

17 or 4% of these cases were completed during the first 3 months of the year which is not an irregular amount for that period. The giant spike in cases (1,350% increase from 2019) for the remainder of the year was driven by two factors. First, Congress sending Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to the vast majority of American households with an emphasis on getting out aid quickly left some wondering where their relief was. Second, COVID-19 induced Internal Revenue Services (IRS) facility closures delayed paper tax returns for the 2019 tax year. We worked case by case to resolve these situations so people got the relief they were entitled too. We also want to note that this number reflects those our office intensively assisted and opened up a formal inquiry on their behalf. Our office estimates that we answered basic questions from hundreds if not thousands of constituents related to EIPs that did not require a case being opened.

325 Travel Cases

62 or 20% of cases were conducted in March as global travel restrictions were put in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As constituents rushed to get back to the United States from across the world under sudden and unsettling circumstances our office closely monitored travel restrictions, provided guidance, and secured passage home for many.

60 Small Business Cases

While not one of the top areas by volume this area represents an enormous increase over regular years. Small business owners are known for their independent entrepreneurial spirit and rarely look to the government for help. As the Coronavirus and government ordered lockdowns shuttered their businesses they needed and deserved a lifeline. Congress stepped up and provided them relief that was implemented in a matter of days after passage. Our office helped 60 small businesses navigate issues with the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLS) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Congressman Davis hosted a tele-town hall with over 300 small business owners and our office provided regular updates to Chambers of Commerce across the district.

99% Satisfaction Rate

Constituents who open up a case with our office receive a feedback survey after their case is closed. The feedback we receive allows us to continually improve the services we provide. For the year 2020 our satisfaction rate indicated very good or excellent service exceeded 99%.

Constituent Service Spotlights

Our office regularly highlights ways in which the Congressman and his staff can serve constituents by sharing feedback we have received from those already helped. You can view the all of these on our Facebook and Twitter or search most recent #ConstituentServiceSpotlights.

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