DES PLAINES – To help older adults stay connected with their community and spread cheer safely this holiday season, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is collecting holiday cards for residents at local long-term care facilities.

“A handwritten note or card is a great way to help those living at long-term care facilities get into the holiday spirit,” said Murphy. ”Last year, we collected over 1,000 cards that were distributed to seniors in local long-term care facilities, so we are grateful to be back by popular demand.”

Murphy is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also encouraged to participate.

“It only takes a few minutes, but a heartfelt holiday greeting can make all the difference to someone who may be struggling during this challenging time,” said Murphy. “Your kind words could bring a smile to a neighbor’s face.”

Cards can be delivered to Murphy’s office through Friday, Dec. 17:

State Senator Laura Murphy
880 Lee St. Suite 100
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Cards can be dropped through the mail slot. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.

DES PLAINES – As violence against law enforcement officers increases, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) joined police chiefs and other public officials to call for change.

“There is a national trend of increased violence against law enforcement officers,” Murphy said. “The very people who put their lives on the line daily to protect us deserve to be protected.”

Murphy was joined by State Representative Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines), Senator John Conner (D-Lockport) and other representatives and public officials Thursday to outline proposed legislation designed to help protect law enforcement personnel.

House Bill 4159, which Murphy hopes to lead through the Senate, would create the Police Protection Act to increase penalties for assault and harassment offenses against members of law enforcement. Under the measure assaults harassment and “officer targeting” would be a classified as Class 3 felony.

Further, state’s attorneys from each county would be required to submit an annual report that outlines the number of offenses in which a law enforcement officer was a victim, the charges filed and the ultimate disposition of each case. 

The proposed legislative package follows recent statistics reported to the FBI citing that over 60,000 law enforcement officers were injured in the line of duty in 2020 alone.

“We must work to restore respect of law enforcement personnel in our communities in efforts  to keep our communities safe,” Murphy said. “That starts by building mutual trust between our officers and the community.” 

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) knows just how frustrating it can be to receive an assessed value – and, in return, property tax bill – that is much higher than expected. To help residents navigate how those numbers are determined, she is hosting a free virtual assessed value seminar next week.

“Home assessments and property taxes can be both confusing and burdensome,” Murphy said. “People deserve full transparency on how their assessed value is determined.”

Next Tuesday, Nov. 16, Murphy will host an online workshop at 6:30 p.m. to break down the process of property tax assessments. She will be joined by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi's staff to teach residents more about how their assessed value is determined, what goes into determining the assessed value, and how that factors into  their property tax bill. Staff will provide an opportunity to ask questions.

The virtual event is free and open to the public, yet registration is required. To register visit bit.ly/3050HAR.

People with questions ahead of the event can contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.

DES PLAINES – To help people navigate open enrollment of health insurance coverage, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a virtual event Wednesday.

“It can be difficult to know your health care options and where to find affordable options,” Murphy said. “Providing informative, easy-to-understand resources to ensure your health care choices is a top priority.”

Senator Murphy will be joined by Representative Michelle Mussman, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, and representatives from Get Covered Illinois, the Department of Human and Family Services, and Schaumburg Township. The Get Covered Illinois team will provide comprehensive information and resources about quality, affordable health insurance coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act marketplace opened last week and goes until Jan. 15, 2022. People searching for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act may be subject to cheaper premiums for next year due to pandemic relief. This is the ninth annual open enrollment for the ACA plans, which are available for those without health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid or other source.  

“It’s important to know the critical role the Affordable Care Act plays in keeping our communities healthy,” Murphy said. “Almost every person is eligible – find out how to apply by participating in our event.”

The free virtual event will take place this Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. People interested in attending must register ahead of time by clicking here.