SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the following statement as the General Assembly passed a budget for the next fiscal year:

“Illinoisans are losing their homes, their health care and their lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—with so many Illinoisans suffering, now is the time for the government to step up and provide the programs and services that people need most.

“This responsible budget includes new programs for rent and mortgage relief, shores up our small businesses, makes our full required pension payment, lends a hand to our local governments and preserves funding for both K-12 and higher education.

“I’m proud to have joined my colleagues in the General Assembly to show our commitment to the fiscal health of our state and its people by not funding a scheduled pay increase for lawmakers like myself—with Illinois facing record unemployment, it would be unjust to increase our own compensation in a time like this.

With this and other smart cuts, we were able to increase funding for the essential human services that are providing assistance to those hurt most by this crisis.

“We’re also taking advantage of every opportunity, including resources from the federal government, to ensure the people of Illinois get the help they need. These are uncertain times with many unknowns, but together, we will build a stronger Illinois.”

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.

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. 

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.”