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.

Murphy congratulates 28th District B2B grant recipients

DES PLAINES - State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) congratulated the five businesses in the 28^th Legislative District that have already received $150,000 in Back to Business grants and encouraged more small business owners to apply.

“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 that necessary health restrictions and people’s cautions about going to enclosed public spaces have hurt many company’s bottom lines, and we want to do all we can to help. If your business still needs assistance, it’s not too late to apply!”

The businesses in the 28^th District that have successfully received grants illustrate the diversity of the area’s economy and how many different enterprises are eligible for the B2B program. They include:

• Sushiya sushi restaurant in Schaumburg,
• Boston Fish Market restaurant and wholesale seafood market in Des Plaines,
• AMA Academy of Performing Arts in Des Plaines, which teaches music and dance,
• Automated Lighting Design in Elk Grove Village, which builds and installs customized lighting, and
• Modus Technologies, which provides business to business services.

The B2B program is distributing $250 million in grants to businesses that brought in $20 million or less in 2019 and that sustained a documented revenue reduction in 2020. Grants range between $5,000 and $150,000 for all industries except hotels, which have higher allowable revenue and grants.

Priority is given to businesses in hard-hit industries, in hard-hit areas, and with revenues less than $5 million, as well as businesses that have not yet received any government assistance.

Interested business owners and managers can learn more and apply on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website. The final deadline to apply is Oct. 13.

Murphy invites Des Plaines residents to “fight flu” at upcoming flu shot clinic

• Seniors
• Events
• District event
• Des Plaines
• In the district
• Parks

DES PLAINES – With flu season fast approaching, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is encouraging residents to protect themselves from illness by getting their annual flu shot at a pop-up clinic next week.

Murphy has partnered with AMITA Health and the Des Plaines Park District to offer free flu shots Friday, Oct. 8 from 9-11 a.m. at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, located at 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

“Our health care facilities are still overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and hospital beds are limited—that means it’s all the more important to protect yourself this flu season,” Murphy said. “Getting your annual flu shot is the quickest and easiest way to prevent a bad case of the flu.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that millions of people get seasonal flu every year. For most people, the flu is mild, but it can be very serious and even cause death. Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get an annual flu shot to protect themselves and others from influenza.

Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so interested residents are asked to pre-register online at AMITAHealth.org/PrairieLakesFluClinic or by calling 855-692-6482.

For residents with Medicare Part B, the cost will be covered with presentation of a Medicare card. All other patients, including those with insurance, should bring a valid ID and can fill out a fee waiver on site to get their flu shot at no cost.