SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the following statement regarding the selection of Michael P. McCuskey as the Legislative Inspector General:

“The work of the Legislative Inspector General is essential to ensuring we are an ethical and transparent body that investigates potential violations in a timely, transparent and independent manner. With the appointment of Mr. McCuskey, Illinoisans can rest easier knowing that there is an independent, ethical and transparent process for reviewing ethics violations in the General Assembly.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) offered the following statement after the governor released his proposed Fiscal Year ’23 budget. 

“Working families across the state are facing grave financial struggles due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, high property taxes and the recent bout of inflation. The governor’s proposed budget outlines much needed relief for those who have long felt unnoticed.

“Tax relief policies put money back in the pockets of people who worked hard for their earnings. Today’s proposed budget is a positive first step toward helping working families, supporting the middle class and spurring economic growth. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to ongoing budget negotiations.” 

DES PLAINES – More than two dozen local businesses across the district State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines ) represents will be awarded over $2 million from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her unwavering support of last year’s state budget.

“We created the Back to Business grant program to help our vibrant small business community recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Murphy said. “We know companies’ bottom lines are still hurting, and we want to do all we can to help.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the federally funded American Rescue Plan. To date, due to strong support from Murphy, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

Specifically in the 28th District, which Murphy represents, more than 30 businesses were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses ranged from hotels to restaurants and more.

“Our small businesses are the backbones of our community. These grants provide light for many during a dark time,” Murphy said. “These heavily impacted sectors suffered the hardest blows throughout the pandemic, and I'm thrilled there is a program that gives them some relief.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.

DES PLAINES – To help patients in need of donated blood, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a blood drive Dec. 29.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Murphy said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive will be held from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the West Park Fieldhouse, 651 S. Wolf Rd. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. Murphy has partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host the event. To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins may be accommodated. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit https://bit.ly/DonateBlood-12-29-21.