DES PLAINES – The deadline for the federal Paycheck Protection Program has been extended to Aug. 8, and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) urges business owners to act quickly to take advantage of available assistance.

“The past few months have put a strain on our economy, down to the local level. Our business community needs help, and fast,” said Murphy. “These forgivable loans could give our small business owners some much-needed breathing room.”

The Federal Treasury Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration have extended the application deadline for the program, which offers up to $10 million in loans to eligible businesses. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used for payroll costs, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages. If used as intended, the loans don’t have to be repaid.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans, saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs, according to the Small Business Administration.

Participating lenders can be found on the Small Business Administration’s website.

Illinois’ network of Small Business Development Centers, including Harper College in Palatine, can help business owners and managers navigate assistance programs like PPP. To schedule an appointment with an advisor, register for a workshop or contact the help desk, visit their website.

“If your business is suffering from pandemic-related losses, there’s still time to apply for assistance,” said Murphy. “I encourage the many valuable small businesses in our region to take advantage of available resources and submit an application now.”

DES PLAINES – To connect with residents and keep the community up to date on important legislative issues, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will host a virtual town hall meeting via Zoom on July 22 at 7 p.m.

“With social distancing requirements in place, we’re getting creative with outreach,” said Murphy. “At this virtual town hall, residents will be able to learn more about important issues in our district, as well as voice their questions and concerns, without putting their health and safety at risk.”

Murphy plans to discuss a wide range of topics affecting the 28th District, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s expansion of the vote-by-mail system and other new legislation passed during the shortened legislative session this spring.

Des Plaines Public Library is co-hosting the event. Murphy will be joined by representatives from the Illinois Dept. of Insurance and Get Covered Illinois, who will be on hand to answer constituents’ questions about health insurance coverage and Special Enrollment Periods for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

“There is so much uncertainty in all aspects of our lives right now,” said Murphy. “I hope to provide some answers on important topics impacting people’s day-to-day lives, including aid programs, unemployment and health insurance.”

The event is free, but registration is required. Register here to receive a link to the Zoom meeting. With questions about the event, contact Murphy’s office at 817-718-1110 or www.senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

DES PLAINES – As unemployment claims begin to level off and the economy reopens, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) urges Illinoisans to take advantage of free credit reporting websites to assess their financial situation.

“We’re starting to see things open up and people go back to work, but we aren’t out of the woods yet. The pandemic may have long-term economic consequences for some families,” said Murphy. “These free resources can help you get back on track.”

Federal law requires each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to provide a free credit report every 12 months if requested. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, these companies are offering free online weekly credit reports through April 2021.

The information in these reports may affect mortgage rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests and job applications. Reviewing credit reports can also help catch signs of identity theft early.

“COVID-19 may have delayed some of your financial goals, but you shouldn’t let it derail them completely,” said Murphy. “Credit reports are just one more tool to help you toward a full recovery.”

To find out more about why credit is important or to request a credit report, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

DES PLAINES – To help local businesses recover from pandemic-related closures, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) invites business owners to apply for assistance through the new Business Interruption Grant program, which will make $60 million available for 3,500 small businesses affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the first round of funding.

“During our shortened legislative session, we made it a priority to pass a budget that included help for the small businesses suffering most during the pandemic,” Murphy said. “The BIG program is one way we are lending a hand to the establishments that underpin our local economy and make our neighborhoods unique.”

The BIG program, administered by DCEO, is part of more than $900 million in new relief programs recently announced by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, with a focus on restoring communities hit hardest by the pandemic.

Grants will be made available for small businesses in amounts ranging between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on business type and other eligibility criteria. Eligible businesses include restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and gyms and fitness centers. Other businesses that have suffered property damage during recent civil unrest are also eligible for assistance.

Businesses must also have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020.

The first wave of BIG funding will prioritize businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19 cases, including those in the 60018 and 60133 zip codes.

“Our region saw above-average numbers of COVID-19 cases during the pandemic, and businesses suffered,” Murphy said. “I encourage any business that needs assistance—particularly those in high-priority zip codes, including 60018 and 60133—to apply immediately.”

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

A full list of criteria, as well as the application, can be found on DCEO’s website. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, July 7 at 5 p.m.