Senator Murphy congratulates recipients of Back to Business grants

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D- Des Plaines) congratulated local businesses struggling from the pandemic that were awarded grants from the latest round of the Back to Business program awards.

The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations such as staff and overhead costs.

“Our small businesses have overcome many difficult challenges over the past year and a half,” Murphy said. “I’m glad to see that many businesses received funding to help keep their doors open.”

 Fourteen businesses in the district Murphy represents have already received a total of $650,000 in grants. They include Automated Lighting Design INC. of Elk Grove, Louie’s Crab House LLC. of Des Plaines and AMA  Dancers & CO. INC. of Des Plaines, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community.  

For a full list of businesses that have received Back to Business grants, visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awards list at illinois.gov/B2BAwards.

Murphy appointed to task force she created to study college materials affordability, equitability

DES PLAINES – To ensure college students can afford the tools they need to excel in the classroom, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) passed a law in the spring to create a task force dedicated to making textbooks and other course materials more affordable. On Monday, Murphy was appointed as one of its members.

“Far too often, students don’t buy a textbook because they can’t afford it – which puts them at a disadvantage in the classroom and beyond,” Murphy said. “The task force will enable all students – regardless of income – to get the much-needed college supplies that will lead them to success in and out of the classroom.”

Murphy created the task force during the spring legislative session with the passage of House Bill 332. The group will research ways to save students money on course materials, examine digital learning materials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and publish its findings online.

Using these findings, the task force will identify best practices for colleges and universities with an eye toward improving affordability, ensuring access to required course materials by the first day of class, and securing better outcomes for students—especially minority, low-income and first-generation students.

“As students look into their higher education options, they should not feel deterred by the high price of textbooks,” Murphy said. “Anyone who wants to go to college should be able to.”

The rest of the members of the Course Materials Equitable Access and Affordability Study Task Force will be selected in the weeks to come and begin its meetings.

Murphy: We can’t let our neighbors feel alone and afraid

DES PLAINES – On the surface, the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic has put Illinoisans on track toward normalcy. However, more than 400,000 people are still facing housing insecurity, and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes the new Housing Help emergency rental and utility assistance program can ease the burden so many are still facing.

“As the federal and state eviction moratoriums come to an end, thousands of people across the state are continuing to struggle to find ways to keep a roof over their head,” Murphy said. “No person should have to face stress of the pandemic on top of the fear of losing their housing.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Housing Development Authority recently announced a new program to provide financial assistance to Illinoisans who are unable to pay their rent and utilities due to COVID-19 economic hardships.

IDHS’ Housing Help program can cover up to 12 months in rent and/or utilities for people who lost income, had an increase of medical bills or faced additional substantial child care costs during the pandemic.

“We can’t let our neighbors feel alone and afraid,” Murphy said. “Winter is approaching and families need the peace of mind that they won’t be without heat, or worse – without a home.”

People struggling to pay their rent or utilities should visit https://www.illinoisrentalassistance.org/providers to find a community-based agency in the area to help, or call the Suburban Cook County Call Center at 877-426-6515 for help. For further assistance, people can call Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.

Murphy urges small businesses to apply for Back to Business grants

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.