DES PLAINES – As businesses work to bounce back from pandemic-related losses, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is encouraging them to take advantage of Back to Business grants for assistance.

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.

“A number of local businesses have already received funding to help them keep their doors open while keeping their employees and the community safe,” Murphy said. “Assistance is still available – apply today.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The administration will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13.

Further, to highlight and support local businesses in the district, Murphy launched a small business tour series and requests entrepreneurs to invite her to visit their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

“Our small businesses have overcome unimaginable challenges over the past year and a half. Although we’re approaching recovery, many business owners are still in need of support,” Murphy said. “I look forward to touring our community’s businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their work.”

Business owners can submit their information at senatorlauramurphy.com to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Murphy’s team will reach out with additional details.

Murphy urges residents to reach out to her office at 847-718-1110 or visit her website with questions and concerns.

SPRINGFIELD – For nearly a year, physician assistants (PAs) have stepped up to provide hands-on care for COVID-19 patients, which is why State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is renewing a push to remove the unnecessary and outdated practice barriers they face in providing care services.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many PAs reached outside their normal duties to care for an unprecedented influx of patients and make up for staff shortages,” Murphy said. “Some states waived obstructive practice requirements to enable PAs to step up and help, with great success. We need to make those changes here in Illinois, permanently.”

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.

“When our hospitals were facing dangerous overcrowding, PAs proved themselves to be professional, skilled and highly educated,” said Murphy. “It’s time we let them do their jobs.”

Senate Bill 145 has been assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.

SPRINGFIELD – Lobbyists are now required to disclose more information regarding their clients and relationships to local government units under new legislation co-sponsored by Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“It’s clear that we need to introduce larger reforms to change the way elected officials do business,” said Murphy, who served as chief co-sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “Increasing lobbying transparency is just a start—there’s much more still to do.”

The legislation seeks to prevent state lawmakers from lobbying local units of government. The measure would require:

•    state lobbyists to disclose any units of local government they lobby,
•    state lobbyists to disclose any elected or appointed offices they hold,
•    lobbying firms that contract out other lobbyists to disclose who is lobbying for each business or other client, and
•    the Secretary of State’s Office to improve the lobbyist database, compiling this new information into a publicly accessible and easily navigable online resource.

“Anytime we increase transparency, it’s a victory, but we can’t stop there,” Murphy. “I am continuing to work to enact legislation that holds lawmakers to a higher standard.”

Senate Bill 1639 was signed into law by Governor Pritzker and takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy was named chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce of Economic Development, a committee that evaluates the benefits of bills regarding businesses and economic issues.

“I am thrilled to be the chair of a committee that is vital to the economic health of Illinois,” said Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat. “I look forward to working with the business community to encourage their continued investment in Illinois, and I am committed to tackling issues that make Illinois the preferred location for economic development and commerce.”

This is the first time Murphy will serve as chair of a Senate committee. The Senate Committee on Commerce and Economic Development will typically meet at 9 a.m. on Thursdays when the Senate is in session.