Murphy sponsors blood drive with free antibody testing for all donors

• Events
• Des Plaines
• In the district

DES PLAINES – To help patients in need of donated blood and support efforts to find an effective treatment for COVID-19, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a blood drive Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, located at 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, blood donations hit a critical low, putting thousands of Illinoisans at risk,” Murphy said. “Now, blood donation is even more important, as researchers think it may have potential as a COVID-19 treatment. I urge anyone who is able to donate to make an appointment.”

All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers hope blood containing antibodies—also known as convalescent plasma—may help treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

Murphy has partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host the event. To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins may be accommodated. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit http://bit.ly/BloodDrive-12-8-20. 

Murphy: Despite session postponement, the work doesn’t stop

• Coronavirus

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy released the following statement regarding the postponement of the upcoming General Assembly veto session:

“I’m disheartened to learn we will not be able to move forward on the legislation we’ve been working on, but especially given recent surges in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state, postponing veto session is the most responsible choice.

“With many regions experiencing peaks even higher than we saw in the spring, convening the General Assembly could contribute to the spread of the virus both in Springfield and in legislators’ home communities.

“Although we won’t be in the Capitol, the work doesn’t stop. I plan to continue negotiating with my fellow lawmakers to find ways to support working families, improve higher education, and keep Illinoisans in Illinois.

“When we return to Springfield, I look forward to hitting the ground running.”

Murphy to host Q&A to help uninsured Illinoisans find coverage

• Events
• In the district
• Insurance

DES PLAINES – The open enrollment period is now underway for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, and to help Illinoisans navigate their coverage options, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a live Q&A with Get Covered Illinois on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

“Especially during a pandemic, it’s critical to have a dependable health insurance plan that fits your needs,” Murphy said. “Get Covered Illinois offers helpful tools and one-on-one assistance to help make the enrollment process as smooth as possible.”

Open enrollment runs through Dec. 15. This year, Illinoisans will be able to choose from 179 plans from eight insurance providers. There are also tax credits available to help lower-income residents reduce their monthly payments and find affordable coverage.

Last year, more than 240,000 people received tax credits, and after credits were applied, the average monthly payment was $153.

“Health care costs can have a huge impact on a family’s budget, and a lack of coverage can be catastrophic to any family. There’s no better time to find an affordable insurance plan or reevaluate your current coverage,” Murphy said.

Interested participants must register here to receive the Zoom webinar link. Residents may submit questions during the event using the chat function or ahead of time by contacting Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or www.senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us. 

To explore the resources offered by Get Covered Illinois, visit https://getcoveredillinois.gov. 

Murphy: $730K in grants will allow local businesses to continue operating with customer and staff safety in mind

• In the district
• apply now
• Coronavirus
• Small businesses
• Grants

DES PLAINES – More than $700,000 has been awarded to 18 North Suburban businesses through the second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program, and millions of dollars are still available, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Friday.

“Over the past few months, small businesses have not only been faced with losses as a result of pandemic-related closures, but also the extra costs that come with adhering to state health guidelines,” said Murphy. “These funds will allow them to continue operating with customer and staff safety in mind.”

In the district Murphy represents, 18 businesses—including restaurants, salons and event venues—received a combined $730,000. Grants ranged from $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

In total, more than $46 million has been awarded to 1,200 local businesses across the state in the second round of the BIG program. This investment builds on the $49 million awarded to more than 2,800 businesses in the first round of funding.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, but applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“Thousands of businesses across the state have already taken advantage of the BIG program, but there’s still time to apply for remaining funds,” said Murphy. “I encourage all affected businesses to submit an application as soon as they can.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO website.