Murphy hopes to keep young minds active over break through summer reading program

• Education
• In the district
• Library
• Schools
• students

DES PLAINES – To encourage kids to become lifelong readers and learners, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is offering prizes to kids who participate in her summer reading program.

“Becoming a stronger reader will benefit kids in school and in life for years to come,” Murphy said. “Keeping young minds active during summer break can help maintain critical literacy skills when school isn’t in session.”

To join Murphy’s summer book club, students must read eight books of their choice, record the names of the books and return the form to Murphy’s office by Aug. 2. Everyone who completes the program will receive a prize.

“Kids who read, succeed,” Murphy said. “This program gives kids an incentive to explore our local libraries, stay engaged and maybe even discover a new favorite book.”

To participate, download and print the form here. Parents can also call Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 to request a form by mail.

Murphy urges interested residents to call her office with any additional questions.

Murphy announces $1.7 million investment to rebuild Clearmont Pedestrian Bridge in Elk Grove Village

• Elk Grove Village
• Public safety
• In the district
• Rebuild Illinois
• Capital
• Parks
• Grants

DES PLAINES – Residents of Elk Grove Village and surrounding communities will be able to enjoy safer, uninterrupted access to the area’s natural wonders thanks to an upcoming $1.7 million reconstruction of Clearmont Pedestrian Bridge over Salt Creek, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced.

“Infrastructure isn’t just about roads and bridges. It’s about the paths families walk and bike to school, to work or simply for recreation,” Murphy said. “Safe, attractive sidewalks and bicycle paths are critical components of a well-maintained community.”

The proposed improvements to Clearmont Pedestrian Bridge include replacing the existing structure with a new 14-foot-wide, 400-foot-long bridge crossing. At nearly twice the length of the existing bridge, the proposed long-span structure will touch down outside floodplain limits, allowing residents to use the bridge even during flooding.

A new creek overlook will allow pedestrians to stop and view wildlife in the area. New lighting, pathway reconstruction and drainage improvements will also help provide a safer, more attractive experience.
 
Clearmont Pedestrian Bridge serves Elk Grove Village and surrounding communities by providing a crossing over Salt Creek to connect to the Salt Creek Trail, Busse Wood Forest Preserve and Rainbow Falls Waterpark. The bridge also provides connectivity to the Clearmont Elementary School, Salt Creek Elementary, Grove Junior High School and Elk Grove High School, as well as several parks and recreational fields.

These improvements are funded through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Residents of the Northwest Suburbs will also see improvements to a number of other area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists through ITEP, including Des Plaines River Trail in Rosemont, County Farm Road in Hanover Park and Oakton Street Sidepath in Des Plaines.

“It’s important that residents, commuters and visitors have a variety of options for getting from here to there,” Murphy said. “These investments help develop a local transportation system that works for everyone.”

Murphy encourages job-seeking veterans to apply for annual Back-to-Work Boot Camp

• Veterans
• Events
• In the district
• apply now
• Unemployment

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is encouraging former service members looking to reenter the workforce to apply for the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s annual Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp.

“Our men and women in uniform have put their lives on the line to defend our nation. The Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp teaches invaluable lessons to help them make a smooth return to civilian life,” Murphy said.

The Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp, now in its fifth year, offers career training to 20 local military veterans. Each participant will receive a career enhancement package valued at more than $8,000, which includes a computer, a fitness membership, career coaching and professional development lessons, various gift cards, and more.

This year’s boot camp will take place from Sept. 8 to Nov. 11, and requires a two-hour commitment on Wednesday evenings. Interested veterans are encouraged to apply online by July 30, 2021.

Any applicants that are not selected will have their applications shared with the committee for hiring consideration and will be invited to a future career fair.

The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry is sponsoring the program in partnership with Rivers Casino.

“I’ve been a proud supporter of this program for many years, and I highly recommend the boot camp to any veteran hoping to get back into the career world,” Murphy said.

Murphy invites renters and landlords to attend rental assistance webinar

• Events
• District event
• apply now

DES PLAINES – To help Illinois renters and landlords take advantage of up to $25,000 or 15 months in assistance through the Illinois Rental Payment Program, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is partnering with the Illinois Housing Development Authority to host an informational webinar via Facebook Live on June 9 at 5 p.m.

“Many families are still struggling with job and income losses due to the pandemic, and as a result, they’re behind on rent payments,” Murphy said. “This program offers much-needed assistance to renters who still need some time to get back on their feet.”

During the webinar, an official from the Illinois Housing Development Authority will provide a walkthrough of the application process, offer helpful tips and answer questions. The event will be streamed live on Murphy’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenatorLauraMurphy.

The Illinois Rental Payment Program is an emergency rental assistance program designed to support households in Illinois that are unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant can cover the past due rent from the previous 12 months and future rental assistance for the next three months, if deemed necessary, up to $25,000.

Landlords have until June 7 to initiate an application, and tenants will have until June 13 to complete their portion of the application. Alternatively, tenants can begin initiating applications June 9.

For more information and to apply for the Illinois Rental Payment Program, visit IHDA.org.