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. 

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is reminding Illinois drivers they will now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“Throughout the pandemic, our local secretary of state offices have prioritized the health and safety of its workers and our community,” Murphy said. “By extending the deadline, we are giving everyone a fair chance to get their licenses renewed on time without waiting in line for hours.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced Friday that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards has been extended an additional three months to March 31, 2022. However, the new expiration date does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations.

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Murphy encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

“Taking advantage of online services makes the process easier for you while reducing long lines for others,” Murphy said. 

Murphy is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

For more information and to take advantage of online services, including license plate renewal, people can visit ilsos.gov.

SCHAUMBURG – More than $175,000 in upgrades will be made at Schaumburg Regional Airport thanks to Senator Laura Murphy’s support of the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program.

“As people begin to regularly travel again, it is important our local airports are prepared for the uptick in flights,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “The Schaumburg Airport is a staple of our community – providing dozens of jobs and an efficient way to support residents and the business community.” 

Approximately $105,000 will be used for fuel system installation at Schaumburg Airport and $70,000 for security gate modifications. The money granted is part of a $94 million funding project to revitalize both large and small airports across the country.

Senator Murphy was proud to support the Rebuild Illinois capital program in 2019, which created a six-year plan to update the state’s aging transportation system, create jobs and promote economic growth. The money allocated to Schaumburg Regional Airport came from the bipartisan, multi-regional plan.

“Investments made to our airports are investments made to our communities,” Murphy said. “The grants allow smaller airports in our state to make much-needed repairs, modernize their facilities and better meet the community needs.”

The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation, made up of more than 850 individual landing facilities. Illinois is home to everything from O’Hare International Airport to municipal airports and private grass strips, contributing more than $95 billion annually to the state’s economy.

A full list of recipients can be viewed by visiting https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.