SCHAUMBURG – To help local business owners navigate state and federal financial assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8th) co-hosted a virtual meeting with the Schaumburg Business Association on Monday, April 27.

The conversation focused on economic issues facing the small business community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and featured presentations from financial experts, followed by a Q&A.

“Small businesses strengthen our local economies and make our communities unique. We must do everything we can to help them survive this challenging period,” said Murphy. “I hope business owners came away from this meeting with the knowledge they need to find help.”

It was the second virtual meeting Murphy has hosted with local businesses during the pandemic. The first attracted nearly 40 business owners.

Jonathan McGee, Assistant Deputy Director for Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, discussed the $60 million Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund. Bo Steiner, District Director of the Illinois office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was also on hand to explain the grant and loan opportunities that are available to struggling businesses in Illinois under the federal CARES Act.

“State and federal assistance programs can help small businesses get back on their feet after this pandemic,” said Murphy. “I’m glad to have given our local business owners the chance to learn more.”

Business owners who were unable to attend the meeting can get the information discussed by contacting Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or www.senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

Murphy regularly updates her Facebook and Twitter with information about the COVID-19 outbreak, including resources available to businesses.

DES PLAINES – In an effort to provide support to Illinoisans facing unprecedented economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) highlighted relief options that could help nearly 140,000 Illinoisans pay their student loans.

“Widespread unemployment means that many Illinoisans are struggling to keep up with bills, including student loan payments,” Murphy said. “If you’re facing financial hardship during this time, don’t wait—contact your loan provider now to discuss your options.”

Under this new initiative, spearheaded by Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Deborah Hagan of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, people with commercially owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are having a hard time making their payments due to COVID-19 will be eligible for expanded relief.

Borrowers who need assistance are asked to contact their student loan provider immediately to set up a plan.

Relief options are based on a person’s individual needs and include:

• Providing a minimum of 90 days of forbearance;
• Waiving late payment fees;
• Ensuring that no borrower is subject to negative credit reporting;
• Ceasing debt collection lawsuits for 90 days; and
• Working with borrower to enroll them in other borrower assistance programs, such as income-based repayment.

Those having problems contacting their student loan servicer can contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Banking at 217-785-2900 or the attorney general’s student loan helpline at 1-800-455-2456.

DES PLAINES – The North West Housing Partnership in Schaumburg has been awarded $460,000 in grant funds to help area homeowners with repairs, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Monday.

“People are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 crisis, which makes home repairs all the more urgent,” said Murphy. “Especially during a time when many families don’t have much savings to fall back on, I’m glad to see that there is help available.”

The North West Housing Partnership, which serves the West and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, is one of 25 local governments and non-profit organizations in the state to receive funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board of Directors. The group awarded $11 million statewide through the state’s Single Family Rehabilitation Program. The lump sum is projected to help at least 326 low- and very low-income families with necessary home repairs.

The Single Family Rehabilitation Program provides forgivable loans of up to $45,000 per household to assist with necessary repairs to remove documented health and safety hazards. Eligible repairs include roofing, flooring and plumbing, among others.

A roof-only option is also available for people who do not need other repairs. Those recipients are offered up to $16,500 to militate against future roof damage.

“The North West Housing Partnership has already made a difference to so many families in our community. With these funds, they can keep up the good work and help even more households,” Murphy said. “If your home is in need of maintenance, I encourage you to apply.”

Households can apply for grants by contacting the North West Housing Partnership at 847-969-0561. The organization will walk residents through the application process and explain eligibility.

DES PLAINES – To help keep children safe from abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) encourages Illinoisans to become familiar with the warning signs of abuse and explore the resources available to protect children living in potentially violent households.

“School closures mean kids are spending much more time at home. For kids in abusive households, that spells danger,” said Murphy. “Even as we maintain social distancing, it’s important that we continue to look out for the children in our communities.”

Signs of child mistreatment include unexplained injuries and poor hygiene, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children suffering from abuse may also exhibit withdrawal from friends, changes in school performance, rebellious or aggressive behavior, and depression or anxiety.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected can call the Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 800-25-ABUSE (22873) to report the situation. All calls are confidential. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services offers guidance, programs and volunteer opportunities to enable Illinoisans to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in their neighborhoods. For more information or to take advantage of these resources, visit their website.

“Right now, many people are focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus, but we can’t let our children fall by the wayside,” said Murphy. “If you see a child in need of support, I urge you to speak up.”