Murphy appointed to task force she created to study college materials affordability, equitability

DES PLAINES – To ensure college students can afford the tools they need to excel in the classroom, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) passed a law in the spring to create a task force dedicated to making textbooks and other course materials more affordable. On Monday, Murphy was appointed as one of its members.

“Far too often, students don’t buy a textbook because they can’t afford it – which puts them at a disadvantage in the classroom and beyond,” Murphy said. “The task force will enable all students – regardless of income – to get the much-needed college supplies that will lead them to success in and out of the classroom.”

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Murphy: We can’t let our neighbors feel alone and afraid

DES PLAINES – On the surface, the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic has put Illinoisans on track toward normalcy. However, more than 400,000 people are still facing housing insecurity, and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes the new Housing Help emergency rental and utility assistance program can ease the burden so many are still facing.

“As the federal and state eviction moratoriums come to an end, thousands of people across the state are continuing to struggle to find ways to keep a roof over their head,” Murphy said. “No person should have to face stress of the pandemic on top of the fear of losing their housing.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Housing Development Authority recently announced a new program to provide financial assistance to Illinoisans who are unable to pay their rent and utilities due to COVID-19 economic hardships.

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Senator Morrison reminds local businesses to apply for grants before deadline

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging local businesses struggling from pandemic losses to apply for the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“Small business owners in Lake and Cook County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be challenging to bounce back from without help,” Morrison said. “While reopening has been beneficial to many businesses, they are still constantly facing financial obligations to keep their stores clean and employees protected.”

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Pacione-Zayas: New screening program to help people identify cancer early

CHICAGO – After attending the launch of the Community First Medical Center’s Hereditary Cancer Screening Program, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) is encouraging people with a known family history of cancer to get screened through the new program.

“Modern technology has come a long way, and programs like this are revolutionary for identifying early signs of cancer,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Early identification is key to successful treatment, and I am excited to see how this new program helps people in our community.”

Community First Medical Center is a safety net hospital on the northwest side of Chicago offering a wide variety of acute and outpatient services. The hospital’s Outpatient Specialty Clinic has teamed up with Myriad Genetics, Inc. to offer MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Screenings to men and women who have a known personal or family history of cancer.

Read more: Pacione-Zayas: New screening program to help people identify cancer early