DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the below statement following multiple bomb threats to suburban Chicago libraries:

“Libraries are sanctuaries of learning, growth and togetherness—they are the very heart of our communities. Threats of violence against libraries is an affront to our shared values. I condemn the cowardly attempts to undermine the open exchange of ideas and interrupt these vital institutions.

“The individuals making these threats want to instill fear in our communities, but we cannot allow this fear to win. Now that these individuals cannot silence ideas by banning books, they use threats of violence to try to achieve their insidious goals. They want us to be as afraid as they are, that is why it is more than ever we need to show our support for our public libraries. We must stand united against hatred and ignorance, and defend the principles that our country was founded on.”

SPRINGFIELD – To raise awareness of Lyme disease, one of the most underreported and dangerous vector-borne diseases, a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy will create the Lyme Disease Innovation Program.

“Every year, countless individuals face the challenges of living with Lyme disease,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By increasing awareness, we can break down barriers, dispel myths and ensure that those affected receive the support, empathy and resources they need to navigate this often invisible illness.”

The Lyme Disease Innovation Program will raise awareness of the disease through community-based education to encourage people to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent worsening effects. Early detection is vital in the treatment and leads to improved treatment outcomes. Often times the disease is misdiagnosed, which results in delays in treatment.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms include fever, headache and skin rash. If Lyme disease is not treated, the infection can spread to the heart, nervous system and joints.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30,000 Americans report being infected with Lyme disease each year, but there could be as many as 300,000 cases annually as it is vastly underreported.
“Lyme disease can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, affecting their health, daily lives and overall well-being,” Murphy said. “Education empowers individuals to recognize the symptoms, take preventative measures and seek proper medical care.”

Senate Bill 1803 was signed into law Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the General Assembly’s assault weapons ban:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the assault weapon ban is a vital step toward protecting our communities. I have always supported commonsense gun laws aimed at keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.

“By banning the future sale of assault weapons, Illinois takes a step forward in preventing further gun-related violence which threatens our most fundamental human right – the right to life.”

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy is urging communities across the 28th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“By investing in our local parks, we can create spaces that foster happiness, health and memorable moments,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I encourage local agencies to apply for the OSLAD program to invest in our local parks so that our communities can continue to enjoy them for years to come.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.