Letter to the Editor: Over 1,000 holiday cards distributed to local long-term care facilities

• Alexian Village
• Senior Fair
• Seniors
• Events
• District event
• In the district

By State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines)

I am overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the people in the 28th Senate District. I reached out to the community to assist me in providing cards for folks living in long-term care facilities within the district, and you did not disappoint. I received over 1,000 cards; some were homemade, some made in your classroom or by your own children, others were carefully decorated, and all will raise the spirits of long-term care residents who are unable to be with their families this holiday season.

This pandemic hasn’t been easy on any of us, but it’s been particularly challenging for our older friends, family and neighbors, who are unable to gather with loved ones without significant risk to their health. The holidays can magnify feelings of loneliness and isolation, so it’s especially important that we reach out and let others know we’re thinking of them.

As I’ve learned from my years as a resident, and now as a state senator, the Northwest Suburban community shows boundless generosity and compassion at every opportunity. Yet again, you have stepped up to offer great kindness to those in need, preserving and strengthening the true meaning of the season.

Thanks to your efforts, our neighbors at Plum Creek Supportive Living, Lee Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Asbury Court Senior Living, Alexian Village and Generations at Oakton Arms will enjoy a happier holiday, feeling loved and connected to their communities during this difficult time. You have made an enormous difference.

I continue to be honored to serve as your state senator. Thank you again for your care and thoughtfulness, and may you and your families enjoy a safe, healthy, and very merry holiday season.

Warmest wishes,

Laura M. Murphy
State Senator | 28th District

Murphy urges residents to take advantage of free, convenient COVID-19 testing site in Hanover Park

• Events
• District event
• In the district
• Coronavirus

HANOVER PARK – To help Illinoisans keep themselves, their families and their communities healthy, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Park Metra Station, located at 1975 W. Lake St.

“Widespread testing is an important part of controlling the spread of COVID-19, and it’s the best way we can make sure we aren’t putting ourselves and others at risk,” said Murphy. “Getting tested is fast, easy and free, and I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Anyone will be able to get tested at the site for free, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is necessary, but daily testing supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to visit early.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

However, people with COVID-19 can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. For this reason, IDPH recommends testing for anyone who has recently been part of a large gathering or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing. 

Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission briefed on federal aid spending during pandemic

• Budget
• Government accountability
• Coronavirus
• Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission

SPRINGFIELD – To monitor the progress of Illinois’ economic recovery, the bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission met with representatives from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) on Tuesday to discuss how the state is disbursing aid received through federal COVID-19 relief programs.

“Across the state, local governments, regional health departments, small businesses and residents are facing financial struggles as a result of the pandemic,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “Federal funding is intended to help our communities stay afloat, and it’s critical that the aid is administered carefully and efficiently to ensure that purpose is fulfilled.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, GOMB Director Alexis Sturm provided an update on the $3.5 billion in federal aid directed to the State of Illinois for COVID-19 response in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

This funding was used to support the state’s pandemic response and create a variety of assistance programs for residents, small businesses and local governments, including the Business Interruption Grant program, the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance programs, and the Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency program.

Over $1.7 billion of this funding has already been disbursed. The remaining funds have been allocated and are expected to be distributed by early spring.

Over the past five months, the commission has been joined by representatives from a variety of state agencies to ask questions, offer suggestions, and ensure these agencies are advancing the state’s recovery and addressing the needs of the people of Illinois.

In December, the commission began livestreaming their meetings to give the public the opportunity to view the discussions.

The meeting schedule for the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission can be found here. The livestream can be viewed when proceedings begin at https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp. 

Murphy collects holiday cards to uplift residents of local long-term care facilities

• Seniors
• Events
• District event
• In the district

DES PLAINES – To help older adults stay connected to their community and spread cheer safely this holiday season, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at local long-term care facilities.

“We may not be able to visit our older neighbors in person this year, but we can still show them we care,” said Murphy. “A handwritten note or card is a great way to help those living at long-term care facilities get into the holiday spirit.”

Murphy is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also invited to participate.

“It only takes a few minutes, but a heartfelt holiday greeting can make all the difference to someone who may be struggling during this challenging time,” said Murphy. “Your kind words could bring a smile to a neighbor’s face.”

Cards can be delivered to Murphy’s office through Friday, Dec. 18:

State Senator Laura Murphy
880 Lee St. Suite 100
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Cards can be dropped through the mail slot. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or visit www.SenatorLauraMurphy.com.