Murphy appointed co-chair of state’s reopening commission

• Transparency
• Government accountability
• Coronavirus

SPRINGFIELD – To provide input on plans to restore the state’s economy after the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has been appointed co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, the group charged with navigating the public health and economic concerns of the state’s reopening plan.

“Decisions about our state’s recovery can’t be made in a vacuum,” said Murphy. “It’s important the legislature is able to give feedback, present ideas and voice concerns as we move forward with the reopening process.”

The Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission will enable cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in dealing with the public health and economic crises caused by COVID-19. The commission will work closely with the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on plans to revive the various sectors of the Illinois economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The commission is made up of 14 members drawn from both political parties and both chambers of the General Assembly. Members of the commission will serve without compensation.

DCEO will provide a written report to the commission and the General Assembly every month regarding the status of current and proposed recovery efforts, with metrics and other information to demonstrate the state’s progress. The first report will be delivered July 1.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure our state is on the right track toward a successful recovery,” said Murphy.

The Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission was created by Senate Bill 2135.

Murphy urges ComEd customers to explore new COVID-19 relief options

• Coronavirus
• Small businesses

DES PLAINES – To help Illinois families pay their electric bills, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is highlighting a new support package from ComEd and the Illinois Commerce Commission.

“With unemployment at a record high, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities,” said Murphy. “I hope these measures can help keep the lights on.”

The package includes a number of provisions to help customers get back on their feet, including an extension of ComEd’s current policy suspending disconnections until the state moves to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan or Aug. 1, 2020, whichever comes first. Residential and small business customers will have an additional 30-day grace period, during which time ComEd will not disconnect service for nonpayment.

Low-income households earning less than 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible for financial assistance for past-due balances. Under this package, customers will have more flexible payment options, including longer payment plans, and ComEd will waive reconnection fees and new deposit requirements for residential customers.

These new supports supplement relief measures ComEd has already put in place, like budget billing options, grants and debt assistance.

“Families need all the help they can get right now,” said Murphy. “I’m glad to see companies offering people a hand during these tough times.”

Customers who are struggling to pay their outstanding balances and electric bills are encouraged to contact ComEd’s customer care team as soon as possible at (800) 334-7661, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. More information is also available at ComEd.com/CARE.

Murphy backs law to help schools adapt during COVID-19 crisis

• Education
• Higher education
• Schools
• students
• Coronavirus

SPRINGFIELD – To allow schools to prepare for a fall semester against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) supported a new law giving students and teachers much-needed guidance and flexibility to face challenges related to the pandemic.

“The pandemic revealed a real lack of resources in many Illinois schools. If our state is still facing the COVID-19 threat this fall, we have to be prepared to respond in a way that prioritizes safety without sacrificing students’ education,” said Murphy. “This new law gives our education system some help adapting to this ‘new normal.’”

The education package contains a number of measures to offer help to teachers and students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a one-year extension for educator license renewals to allow teachers to postpone the renewal process until they can return to their classrooms.

The legislation also enables students to take mandatory tests remotely, so they don’t have to risk getting sick in order to take exams they need to apply for college.

A number of provisions relate to higher education during the pandemic. Under the new law, any grade of “pass,” “credit,” or “satisfactory” during the public health emergency is transferable and will fulfill prerequisite requirements for more advanced college courses.

The bill also modifies the state's AIM HIGH education grant program to stabilize tuition for scholarship recipients during these uncertain times.

“We hope kids will be able to return to physical classrooms this fall, but we have to be prepared in case that isn’t a safe option,” said Murphy. “These measures will help keep our schools on track, no matter what the future holds.”

Senate Bill 1569 was signed into law Thursday.

Murphy invites suburban small businesses to apply for zero-interest loans

• apply now
• Coronavirus
• Small businesses

DES PLAINES – Small businesses and independent contractors struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for one-time, zero-interest loans through the Cook County Community Recovery Fund, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

“Our communities are beginning to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, but the past few months have been devastating to the restaurants, shops and nonprofits that make our neighborhoods unique,” said Murphy. “These funds are a way for the county to offer support to businesses that are especially vulnerable at this time.”

The $10 million Community Recovery Fund offers loans of up to $20,000 for small businesses and up to $10,000 for independent contractors. The program will serve suburban Cook County businesses with fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in annual revenue, or independent contractors with less than $100,000 in yearly income who earn at least 50% of their revenue from contracting work.

Self-employed independent contractors, like rideshare drivers and other gig industry workers, who reside in South Suburban Cook County are also eligible to apply.

“With so many business owners hurting, $10 million is just a start,” said Murphy. “But these funds may provide some relief while we work to come up with other ways to offer assistance to our small business community.”

Online applications for the loans in Spanish and English are available now through June 17, 2020. To find additional information and apply, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/recovery.