Murphy joins Lyme Disease Task Force to raise awareness, improve detection

• Parks

SPRINGFIELD – As hikers flock to Illinois’ parks and forests to enjoy colorful fall foliage, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to advance public education and awareness of dangerous tick-borne diseases as the newest member of the state’s Lyme Disease Task Force.

“Warmer, longer summers in the Midwest mean the risk of Lyme disease is on the rise,” Murphy said. “Many doctors don’t think to test for the disease right away, but early detection could make all the difference—raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease might save a life.”

The Lyme Disease Task Force was created in 2019 to help the Illinois Department of Public Health improve Lyme disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment, including by developing continuing educational materials and opportunities for medical professionals that specifically focus on Lyme disease.

The task force is made up of 20 members, including licensed physicians, legislators, representatives from state agencies and members of the public.

Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S., is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic bullseye-shaped skin rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics, but if left untreated, infection can spread to the joints, the heart and the nervous system.

“Lyme disease is preventable and treatable. When doctors know what to look for, patients have a much better chance at a full recovery,” Murphy said. “I’m excited to work alongside my fellow members of the task force to put a stop to Lyme disease here in Illinois.”

To prevent Lyme disease, people are encouraged to wear insect repellent with a 20% or higher concentration of DEET, as well as long sleeves, pants and socks when in grassy or wooded areas. Hikers should stick to trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass, and anyone spending time in an area where ticks are common should shower as soon as they come indoors, check themselves and their clothing for ticks, and remove ticks as soon as possible.

More information about Lyme disease is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Schaumburg library to receive nearly $30,000 to support at-risk youth

• Education
• Schaumburg
• Library
• Grants

SCHAUMBURG – For the third year in a row, Schaumburg Township District Library has been selected by the secretary of state to receive a grant through the Project Next Generation program, and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) said the funding couldn’t come at a better time for struggling youth in the community.

“When the pandemic forced students to learn from home, many at-risk kids lost out on valuable opportunities to connect with mentors and role models,” Murphy said. “The Project Next Generation program in Schaumburg gives young people the one-on-one support they need to achieve success.”

Schaumburg Township District Library will receive $29,238 to continue administering the program. It is one of 28 public libraries statewide to receive PNG funding this year.

PNG is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Project mentors work with middle and high school students as the participants learn how to use various technologies, achieve success through project-based learning, and gain important life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

The Illinois State Library awards PNG grants to public libraries serving culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations. For more information, visit the secretary of state’s website.

Murphy to host property tax workshop for Elk Grove residents

• Elk Grove Village
• Property tax
• Property tax seminar
• Taxes

 ELK GROVE VILLAGE – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process and how to lower their property tax bill at an upcoming workshop co-hosted by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the workshop, which will take place Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Elk Grove Township Hall, located at 600 Landmeier Road in Elk Grove Village.

“High property taxes are the number one issue I hear about from residents,” Murphy said. “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents should consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

Residents are asked to bring their second installment property tax bill to the workshop, and to have their property index number on hand for reference.

Face masks will be required at the event, but an outdoor table will be set up for residents uncomfortable gathering indoors.

For more information about filing an appeal, including online appeal options and filing deadlines, residents can visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.

Schaumburg residents and businesses to get a boost thanks to $1.25 million bike path project, Murphy announces

• Schaumburg
• In the district
• Rebuild Illinois
• Public transit
• Small businesses
• Grants
• Infrastructure

SCHAUMBURG – The Village of Schaumburg will receive $1.25 million in state funding to construct a public access road and bike path connecting major businesses to the Schaumburg Metra Station, a landmark investment State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) said will create jobs and advance economic development across the region.

“This hard-won funding will help Schaumburg meet the growing need for safe, green transportation and recreation,” Murphy said. “Thanks to years of advocacy from village officials, the Schaumburg community will reap the benefits of this project for years to come.”

The project, which is expected to create over 485 jobs, will expand Schaumburg’s 90-mile network of bike paths, giving residents and tourists more ways to visit local businesses.

The Village of Schaumburg is one of just 11 communities across the state selected to receive funding through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, a component of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities and fostering lasting economic growth.

“Safe, modern infrastructure helps our community stay connected,” Murphy said. “This funding will open up new opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to support the local shops and businesses that make Schaumburg unique.”

A total of $16.5 million was awarded through the RIRED program. More information about the RIRED program and other state grant programs is available at Illinois.gov/DCEO.