Local businesses in district Murphy represents to receive $2 million thanks to her support

DES PLAINES – More than two dozen local businesses across the district State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines ) represents will be awarded over $2 million from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her unwavering support of last year’s state budget.

“We created the Back to Business grant program to help our vibrant small business community recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Murphy said. “We know companies’ bottom lines are still hurting, and we want to do all we can to help.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the federally funded American Rescue Plan. To date, due to strong support from Murphy, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

Specifically in the 28th District, which Murphy represents, more than 30 businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses ranged from hotels to restaurants and more.

“Our small businesses are the backbones of our community. These grants provide light for many during a dark time,” Murphy said. “These heavily impacted sectors suffered the hardest blows throughout the pandemic, and I'm thrilled there is a program that gives them some relief.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.

COVID testing sites and how to spot their legitimacy

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, it is important to get tested if you feel ill or have been exposed to someone who has the virus — even if you're vaccinated.

Walgreens, CVS, and Jewel-Osco — among other well-known stores — offer free testing and vaccines seven days a week.

The Cook County Public Health Department also hosts many locations across the district, which include the following:

ACCESS Genesis Center for Health and Empowerment

1 N. Broadway, Des Plaines // Make an appointment

ACCESS Northwest Family Health Center

1120 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights // Make an appointment

To search for other testing sites in the area, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website here.

 

                                                                   

Murphy to host blood drive Dec. 29

DES PLAINES – To help patients in need of donated blood, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a blood drive Dec. 29.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Murphy said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive will be held from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the West Park Fieldhouse, 651 S. Wolf Rd. 

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. 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 https://bit.ly/DonateBlood-12-29-21. 

Murphy: You have an additional three months to renew expired driver’s licenses

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“Throughout the pandemic, our local secretary of state offices have prioritized the health and safety of its workers and our community,” Murphy said. “By extending the deadline, we are giving everyone a fair chance to get their licenses renewed on time without waiting in line for hours.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Murphy encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

“Taking advantage of online services makes the process easier for you while reducing long lines for others,” Murphy said. 

Murphy is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

For more information and to take advantage of online services, including license plate renewal, people can visit ilsos.gov.