Questions about the tax referendum?

Dear Friends,

During the last several weeks, a number of you have reached out to me with inquiries about a referendum that will appear on the ballot this fall. The proposal would amend a single provision in the state constitution that currently requires the state income tax to be assessed at the same rate on all taxpayers, regardless of income.

If the referendum is approved by voters, a sliding-scale tax rate will be implemented — one that allows higher rates to be charged on higher incomes and lower rates on lower incomes. This sliding-scale tax rate was enacted in 2019. If the referendum is voted down by the voters, the state’s flat income tax rate will stay in place.

Read more: Questions about the tax referendum?

Murphy named Legislator of the Year by Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants

• Hospitals
• Physician Assistants

DES PLAINES – The Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants selected State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) as 2020 Legislator of the Year for her efforts to improve health care in Illinois and expand opportunities for physician assistants (PAs) to provide critical medical care across the state.

“I’m honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from the Illinois Academy of PAs,” said Murphy. “During the pandemic, PAs have stepped up to provide exceptional care to their patients—it’s more important than ever to remove the unnecessary and outdated practice barriers they face on the job.”

The Illinois Academy of PAs represents over 3,000 PAs in Illinois. PAs are medical professionals with thousands of hours of training who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty.

Murphy is the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 2758, which would simplify partnerships between physicians and PAs by removing burdensome red tape, like written agreements and practice notifications. These bureaucratic barriers restrict health care access for patients, according to a 2018 study by the Brookings Institution, and eliminating them could significantly improve productivity in the health care industry.

The measure would also give PAs representation by establishing a PA regulatory board. Physicians and PAs would be able to work together to decide what care services the PA can provide to patients, based on his or her education, training and experience.

“The Illinois Academy of PAs awarded Leader Murphy with Legislator of the Year for her hard work and determination on behalf of the PA profession,” said Elizabeth Kate Sweitzer, president of the Illinois Academy of PAs. “She has consistently fought for improving rules and regulations to improve medical teams that provide health care to veterans and rural and underserved areas.”

Murphy invites women business owners to learn more about grant opportunities

• Events
• apply now
• Coronavirus
• Small businesses
• Grants

DES PLAINES – In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) invited women small business owners to join “All in for Women,” a series of webinars from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) about navigating the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“Our women business owners work hard to support our local economy and make our small business community diverse and unique,” said Murphy. “This month and every month, they deserve to be celebrated. These informative webinars can help provide the resources and assistance they need to thrive.”

At “All in for Women,” business owners will be able to connect with DCEO officials to learn more about the BIG program, eligibility requirements and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.

The Business Interruption Grant program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19.

In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.

The webinar will be offered in four sessions, and registration is required:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.

Other resources, including webinars geared toward women in manufacturing, Latina business owners and more, are available on the DCEO Office of Minority Economic Empowerment website.

Murphy urges residents to visit mobile COVID-19 testing site in Hanover Park

• Events
• District event
• In the district
• Coronavirus

HANOVER PARK – To make it more convenient for residents of the Northwest Suburbs to monitor their health, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site this Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Evangel Church, located at 5700 Bartels Road in Hanover Park.

“Testing is a critical part of our state’s recovery plan,” said Murphy. “This testing site will give residents a fast, easy and free opportunity to ensure they’re keeping themselves, their families and their communities healthy.”

Anyone will be able to get tested at the site for free, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is necessary, but daily testing supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to visit early.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

However, people with COVID-19 can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. For this reason, IDPH recommends testing for anyone who has recently been part of a large gathering or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.