Murphy leads local government COVID-19 recovery plan

• Local government
• Coronavirus

SPRINGFIELD – To help guide local governments through the COVID-19 recovery process, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has sponsored a package of legislation to give municipalities the means to address pandemic-related challenges.

“Especially now, local governments are keeping our communities afloat by managing our regional health departments and providing financial, housing and meal assistance to struggling Illinoisans,” said Murphy. “I hope this legislation can help them continue to provide much-needed services as we look to recover from this pandemic."

House Bill 2096 is an omnibus bill, which:

• Grants townships the option to postpone their annual meetings during a disaster declaration enacted by the governor;
• Clarifies that townships should not count federal stimulus payments toward earned income in determining individuals’ eligibility for General Assistance programs;
• Exempts low-income students from non-resident library card fees to give all students access to library resources, including e-books and online periodicals;
• Allows school construction bids to be communicated, opened and accepted electronically to enable bid discussions to continue during the COVID-19 emergency; and
• Authorizes the Housing Authority of Cook County to enter business arrangements with developers to provide safe and stable housing for low- and middle-income suburban families.

Murphy worked with a bipartisan group of Illinois senators to find solutions to the problems facing local governments as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, with input from the Township Officials of Illinois, the Illinois Municipal League and other stakeholders.

“For weeks, I’ve been meeting virtually with my colleagues in the Senate—of both parties—to discuss how we can best assist our local governments during and after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Murphy. “Together, we were able to come up with these measures to help our communities recover.”

House Bill 2096 passed the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.

Murphy urges residents to get tested for COVID-19 at new Rolling Meadows testing site

• In the district
• Coronavirus

ROLLING MEADOWS – Residents of the Northwest Suburbs will be able to get tested for COVID-19 safely and easily at a new drive-thru testing site opening May 20 in Rolling Meadows, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced.

“Especially as we start the reopening process, increased testing is one tool we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Murphy. “The best way to make sure you aren’t spreading the virus is to get tested. It’s easy and free—if you think you may be at risk of infection, I encourage you to visit this new site.”

The new site will be located in the parking lot of Rolling Meadows High School at 2901 Central Rd. and will offer testing services seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can be tested for the virus without a doctor’s order. You can also get a test if you’ve been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19, if you have a compromised immune system or other chronic medical condition, or if you are a front-line worker, whether or not you are experiencing symptoms.

At drive-thru testing sites like the one in Rolling Meadows, patients must remain in their vehicles—walk-ups will not be accepted. Testing is free, but patients will be asked to show photo identification and a health care employee or first responder ID badge, if applicable.

“There are lots of people who need tests, so keep in mind that the wait times at these sites may be significant,” said Murphy. “Please be patient with personnel and the other people in line. We’ll get through this if we work together.”

Testing sites continue to open across the state. For the most up-to-date list of these sites, as well as testing hours and contact information, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/testing-sites. 

Murphy hosts Telephone Town Hall to connect with residents during Stay at Home Order

• Events
• Constituent Service
• In the district
• Coronavirus

DES PLAINES – To connect with community members during the Stay at Home Order and stay up to date on the issues affecting her district, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hosted a Telephone Town Hall event Thursday evening, which also featured input from medical and public health experts.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven’t been able to speak to constituents in person for the past few weeks,” said Murphy. “This Telephone Town Hall was a great opportunity to hear from my neighbors about the challenges they’re facing and offer my assistance in any way I can.”

The Telephone Town Hall gave local residents a chance to voice their opinions and share their input on legislative initiatives important to the area and the state. Callers were invited to submit questions over the phone and by email.

Murphy was joined by Dr. Sachin Patel, regional director for Vituity in Chicago, to help callers with health-related concerns. Laura Vaught, Division Chief at the Illinois Department of Public Health, was also on hand to answer questions on behalf of the department.

“The Telephone Town Hall was a great mechanism for community engagement, and it was clear that our neighbors continue to have many important questions about COVID-19,” said Dr. Patel. “An informed public will be a critical part of the policy solutions we develop going forward.”

Over 1,000 callers joined the Telephone Town Hall. Over the course of the hourlong event, Murphy was able to help residents with filing for unemployment, locating COVID-19 testing sites and more.

The Telephone Town Hall also allowed participants to express their views by responding to various survey questions, which covered topics like community needs during the pandemic, the state’s response to coronavirus and the governor’s Restore Illinois plan.

“Especially right now, it’s important to stay connected with people,” said Murphy. “I am thrilled to have been able to help answer questions and get more information about the issues that matter most to my district.”

As businesses reopen, Murphy reminds employers of health and safety guidelines

• Public safety
• Coronavirus
• Small businesses

DES PLAINES – As some businesses prepare to reopen during the modified Stay at Home Order, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) seeks to protect employees and consumers by highlighting new employee safety measures intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

“It’s great to see businesses able to reopen, but as we begin that process, we must keep health and safety in mind,” said Murphy. “These simple guidelines are vitally important for protecting employers, employees and shoppers from the spread of COVID-19.”

At the end of April, Gov. Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-32 to provide specific regulations for businesses and workplaces. All employers with workers physically reporting to a worksite must post this guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General regarding workplace safety during the COVID-19 emergency.

As businesses begin to reopen, employers will be required to provide face masks for employees who are unable to adhere to social distancing requirements. Businesses must also observe other measures, like limiting occupancy and staggering shifts to ensure workers can maintain six feet of social distancing.

Other requirements and guidelines for employers to help limit the spread of COVID-19 can be found in this FAQ, issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

If your place of work is not adhering to these new guidelines, please report violations to a certified local health department or IDPH. The Office of the Illinois Attorney General is also accepting complaints through their Workplace Rights Bureau at 844-740-5076 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Up-to-date information and resources related to the status of COVID-19 in Illinois can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov. Murphy’s office is currently closed, but her staff is working remotely and responding to calls and emails. With questions or concerns, call 847-718-1110 or visit senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.