SPRINGFIELD – With businesses still recovering from closures and mitigations imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has called a hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee to investigate the distribution of funding through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“The BIG program was created to support the businesses in our communities that have suffered losses as a result of the pandemic, but many business owners were denied funding without explanation,” Murphy said. “It is essential that the legislative branch has the chance to ask questions and evaluate the program to ensure these funds were distributed fairly and efficiently.”

Murphy and the committee will be joined by representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to discuss how the department reviewed applications, communicated with awardees and unsuccessful applicants, and distributed BIG funds in both rounds of the program.

The BIG program was developed last spring to provide $580 million in economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. Grantees could use funding to help with working capital expenses, including payroll, rent, utilities and other operational costs.

The hearing will take place Thursday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m. Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

To watch virtual committee proceedings, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click “Watch Live Virtual Committee Video.” The link will be available when the committee is called to order.

DES PLAINES – Small businesses facing financial losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to join a webinar sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. to get help applying for financial aid.

“With the vaccine distribution process now underway, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but many small businesses are still feeling the pressure of the pandemic,” Murphy said. “There’s still time to apply for funding to help make ends meet.”

Murphy has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Office of Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to host the webinar. State Senators Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) and Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) are co-hosts of the event.

Panelists include Robert Steiner, District Director of the Illinois office of the SBA, who will provide information to small businesses about the federal Paycheck Protection Program and other available resources.

“The application period for the second round of PPP is open now through March 31. If your business is struggling, I encourage you to apply as soon as possible,” Murphy said. “Explore all your options, including PPP, at this upcoming webinar.”

The webinar will be held via Cisco Webex. Register here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will continue to serve as Deputy Majority Leader of the Illinois State Senate in the 102nd General Assembly.

“It has been an honor to serve as Deputy Majority Leader over the past year, helping guide our legislature through new challenges in light of the COVID-19 crisis,” Murphy said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work to help our state come back from the pandemic stronger and more resilient.”

Murphy was appointed Deputy Majority Leader in 2020. In this role, Murphy assists the Majority Leader to work with caucus members on policy issues and help advise them on legislative agendas.

Murphy will also serve as chair of the Executive Appointments Committee.

In the coming months of session, Murphy hopes to help foster bipartisan collaboration on key issues, including closing the state pension funding gap, implementing ethics reform to restore the public’s trust in government, and increasing support for small businesses and families struggling during the pandemic.

“The General Assembly is about give and take. When a bill is filed, it starts a conversation that helps us explore an issue from all sides and find the best solution,” Murphy said. “When we work together, we can bring positive change to the state.”