Murphy: Help is available for those struggling with mental health

• Mental Health
• Coronavirus

DES PLAINES – The coronavirus outbreak and resulting social distancing measures have left many Illinoisans feeling anxious and isolated, which prompted State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to share important resources that may help individuals manage their mental health.

“The constant news cycle is enough to make a person feel overwhelmed. When you pair that with layoffs, school closures and separation from friends and loved ones, it’s no surprise this pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health,” said Murphy. “I want everyone to know there is help available.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and programs for those struggling with mental health. Northern Cook County residents can call 847-716-2252 and residents of the Northwest Suburbs can call 847-899-0195 to learn about available resources.

Murphy also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:
• Connecting with friends and family online,
• Keeping regular work hours and routines while at home,
• Preparing healthy meals,
• Exercising regularly, and
• Staying up to date with accurate information.

“Even though we have to be physically distant from friends and family, we can still stay connected,” Murphy said. “We may feel lonely, but we aren’t alone—we’re all in this together.”

Murphy’s staff is working remotely during the Stay at Home Order, but are still responding to calls and emails. She encourages those who need assistance with state services to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. Both resources are available 24/7.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

The CARES Act: How you can benefit

• Coronavirus

Dear friends,

As COVID-19 has spread across the country, other states have followed Illinois’ lead by limiting crowds, closing nonessential businesses, and instituting shelter-in-place orders.

To address the uncertainty and instability many Americans are facing during this outbreak, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides assistance to hospitals, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses.

If you are wondering about what the CARES Act means for you and your community, here’s some information that may help you navigate the legislation:

How will the CARES Act help individuals and families?

• Individuals who earn less than $75,000 annually will receive a direct payment of $1,200, and married couples who file a joint return and earn less than $150,000 are eligible for up to $2,400. Households will receive an additional $500 for every qualifying child age 16 or under. With questions about this payment, visit the IRS website.
• Eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of state unemployment benefits to cover lost wages. Part-time, self-employed, and gig-economy workers are newly eligible for benefits.
• States will receive $3.5 billion in Child Care Development Block Grants to help provide child care to health care workers, first responders, and other essential employees.
• Federal student loan payments will be suspended until Sept. 30.

What about protections for health care workers and first responders?

• Over $120 billion in assistance will go to hospitals and health agencies to help them cover COVID-19 expenses, replenish life-saving supplies, and purchase tests.

Will the CARES Act support local and state governments?

• State and local governments will receive $150 billion to pay for new expenses related to COVID-19. The CARES Act also doubles the amount of FEMA funding available to state governments, local governments, and nonprofits.

What kind of benefits will schools receive?

• Schools across the country—including colleges and universities—will receive over $30 billion in emergency support.

Will businesses get relief?

• Small businesses and non-profits will have access to $350 billion in forgivable loans to help them retain employees and pay for expenses like rent, mortgages, and utilities.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering $10 billion in emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief to local business owners. SBA has also established the Debt Relief Program to cover six months of interest payments for small businesses with existing loans.

If you have other questions about the CARES Act, I encourage you to read this summary from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. The Illinois Department of Economic Security has posted an FAQ on these new benefits and asks that you wait to apply until further details are available to give them time to process current benefits claims.

The COVID-19 outbreak is bigger than Illinois—it’s a nationwide crisis. When we follow recommendations from our top health experts by washing our hands, keeping our distance from others, and staying home as much as possible, we are protecting our fellow Illinoisans and our fellow Americans from this illness.

Updates and guidance on the COVID-19 crisis are available 24/7 from the Illinois Department of Health or at the state’s dedicated COVID-19 response website, coronavirus.illinois.gov.

And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions and concerns. My staff is working remotely, but we are still responding to calls and emails. You can contact us at (847) 718-1110 or senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Laura M. Murphy
State Senator | 28th District

Murphy: Loans, tax deferrals and more assistance available to local businesses during COVID-19 closures

• Taxes
• Department of Revenue
• Coronavirus

SPRINGFIELD – To provide assistance to the many local restaurants and businesses who have closed their doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19, or the new coronavirus, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is sharing information that might help these establishments survive this difficult period.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many businesses shuttered and so many working Illinoisans struggling. It’s important that we stop the spread of coronavirus, but the resulting loss of business has been devastating to our communities,” said Murphy. “It’s vital that we offer them resources to provide some help during this uncertain and challenging time.”

Murphy encourages business owners to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Interested applicants can apply directly at sba.gov/disaster.

To further alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Murphy said the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants in Illinois. Find more information and check whether your business qualifies here.

“I’m also grateful for the State of Illinois for providing help to the working families who now find themselves without a paycheck by making unemployment benefits available to those who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Murphy. “It’s one way we can immediately help relieve some of the financial burdens on our middle class.”

Those without access to paid sick leave or who are unable to work because of COVID-19 can call the Illinois Department of Employment Security at 1-800-244-5631 to apply for these benefits. More information is available here. The department has hired additional staff and expanded business hours to handle an increased volume of calls. Callers may experience long wait times but are encouraged to stay on the call, even if they hear a busy line signal.

Murphy notes that although her office is closed, her staff is working remotely to answer questions and address concerns from constituents. She urges residents to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contactus.

Murphy wants to cut bureaucracy, break down care barriers for physician assistants

• Hospitals

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is facing a shortage of health care workers, but State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to fill in the gaps by removing unnecessary and outdated practice barriers for physician assistants (PAs).

“Physician assistants are highly skilled and highly educated, and it would be best for both them and their patients to let them do their jobs,” said Murphy. “Illinois is losing health care workers at an alarming rate. It’s time to remove barriers to care and make them want to stay.”

Murphy’s proposed legislation would simplify partnerships between physicians and PAs by removing burdensome red tape, like written agreements and practice notifications. These bureaucratic barriers restrict health care access for patients, according to a 2018 study by the Brookings Institution, and eliminating them could significantly improve productivity in the health care industry.

The measure would also give PAs representation by establishing a PA regulatory board. Physicians and PAs would be able to work together to decide what care services the PA can provide to patients, based on his or her education, training and experience.

“There are more than 3,000 PAs in Illinois. Everyone has a friend or loved one who has been cared for by a PA,” said Murphy. “They deserve a helping hand, too.”

Senate Bill 2758 has been assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.