DES PLAINES – The coronavirus outbreak and resulting social distancing measures have left many Illinoisans feeling anxious and isolated, which prompted State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to share important resources that may help individuals manage their mental health.

“The constant news cycle is enough to make a person feel overwhelmed. When you pair that with layoffs, school closures and separation from friends and loved ones, it’s no surprise this pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health,” said Murphy. “I want everyone to know there is help available.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and programs for those struggling with mental health. Northern Cook County residents can call 847-716-2252 and residents of the Northwest Suburbs can call 847-899-0195 to learn about available resources.

Murphy also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:
• Connecting with friends and family online,
• Keeping regular work hours and routines while at home,
• Preparing healthy meals,
• Exercising regularly, and
• Staying up to date with accurate information.

“Even though we have to be physically distant from friends and family, we can still stay connected,” Murphy said. “We may feel lonely, but we aren’t alone—we’re all in this together.”

Murphy’s staff is working remotely during the Stay at Home Order, but are still responding to calls and emails. She encourages those who need assistance with state services to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. Both resources are available 24/7.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide assistance to the many local restaurants and businesses who have closed their doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19, or the new coronavirus, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is sharing information that might help these establishments survive this difficult period.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many businesses shuttered and so many working Illinoisans struggling. It’s important that we stop the spread of coronavirus, but the resulting loss of business has been devastating to our communities,” said Murphy. “It’s vital that we offer them resources to provide some help during this uncertain and challenging time.”

Murphy encourages business owners to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Interested applicants can apply directly at sba.gov/disaster.

To further alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Murphy said the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants in Illinois. Find more information and check whether your business qualifies here.

“I’m also grateful for the State of Illinois for providing help to the working families who now find themselves without a paycheck by making unemployment benefits available to those who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Murphy. “It’s one way we can immediately help relieve some of the financial burdens on our middle class.”

Those without access to paid sick leave or who are unable to work because of COVID-19 can call the Illinois Department of Employment Security at 1-800-244-5631 to apply for these benefits. More information is available here. The department has hired additional staff and expanded business hours to handle an increased volume of calls. Callers may experience long wait times but are encouraged to stay on the call, even if they hear a busy line signal.

Murphy notes that although her office is closed, her staff is working remotely to answer questions and address concerns from constituents. She urges residents to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contactus.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is facing a shortage of health care workers, but State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to fill in the gaps by removing unnecessary and outdated practice barriers for physician assistants (PAs).

“Physician assistants are highly skilled and highly educated, and it would be best for both them and their patients to let them do their jobs,” said Murphy. “Illinois is losing health care workers at an alarming rate. It’s time to remove barriers to care and make them want to stay.”

Murphy’s proposed legislation 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.

“There are more than 3,000 PAs in Illinois. Everyone has a friend or loved one who has been cared for by a PA,” said Murphy. “They deserve a helping hand, too.”

Senate Bill 2758 has been assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.

Attention: At the instruction of state health officials, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has canceled the 2020 Census information session and recruitment event scheduled for March 23 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Murphy encourages those with questions about the Census to visit www.2020census.gov or contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-800-923-8282.

Concerned citizens can stay up to date on the status of coronavirus in Illinois by calling the Illinois Department of Health’s 24/7 hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SCHAUMBURG – Community members who are interested in learning more about the 2020 Census are invited to attend an information session and recruitment event hosted by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) on March 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., in Schaumburg.

“Working for the U.S. Census Bureau is one way you can help ensure your community gets counted, but it’s not the only way,” said Murphy.  “Whether you’re looking for a job or you just want to help spread the word, we can help you explore your options.”

Murphy is partnering with the Village of Schaumburg Complete Count Committee, the U.S. Census Bureau, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Rep. Michelle Mussman and Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison to host the event.

At the event, local officials will discuss how the census will affect the community and how residents can ensure that their neighbors are counted. Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau will also be on hand to answer questions about working for the Census.

“For the next decade, data from the 2020 Census will determine our community’s government representation, federal funding, economic development, public transit routes and more,” said Murphy. “Everyone can play a part in making sure our neighborhoods are represented.”

Those interested in attending the event are encouraged to register online.