DES PLAINES – As businesses work to bounce back from pandemic-related losses, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is encouraging them to take advantage of Back to Business grants for assistance.

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.

“A number of local businesses have already received funding to help them keep their doors open while keeping their employees and the community safe,” Murphy said. “Assistance is still available – apply today.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The administration will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13.

Further, to highlight and support local businesses in the district, Murphy launched a small business tour series and requests entrepreneurs to invite her to visit their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

“Our small businesses have overcome unimaginable challenges over the past year and a half. Although we’re approaching recovery, many business owners are still in need of support,” Murphy said. “I look forward to touring our community’s businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their work.”

Business owners can submit their information at senatorlauramurphy.com to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Murphy’s team will reach out with additional details.

Murphy urges residents to reach out to her office at 847-718-1110 or visit her website with questions and concerns.

SPRINGFIELD – As hikers flock to Illinois’ parks and forests to enjoy colorful fall foliage, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to advance public education and awareness of dangerous tick-borne diseases as the newest member of the state’s Lyme Disease Task Force. 

“Warmer, longer summers in the Midwest mean the risk of Lyme disease is on the rise,” Murphy said. “Many doctors don’t think to test for the disease right away, but early detection could make all the difference—raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease might save a life.”

SCHAUMBURG – The Village of Schaumburg will receive $1.25 million in state funding to construct a public access road and bike path connecting major businesses to the Schaumburg Metra Station, a landmark investment State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) said will create jobs and advance economic development across the region.

“This hard-won funding will help Schaumburg meet the growing need for safe, green transportation and recreation,” Murphy said. “Thanks to years of advocacy from village officials, the Schaumburg community will reap the benefits of this project for years to come.”

The project, which is expected to create over 485 jobs, will expand Schaumburg’s 90-mile network of bike paths, giving residents and tourists more ways to visit local businesses.

The Village of Schaumburg is one of just 11 communities across the state selected to receive funding through the Rebuild Illinois Regional Economic Development program, a component of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program aimed at creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities and fostering lasting economic growth.

“Safe, modern infrastructure helps our community stay connected,” Murphy said. “This funding will open up new opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to support the local shops and businesses that make Schaumburg unique.”

A total of $16.5 million was awarded through the RIRED program. More information about the RIRED program and other state grant programs is available at Illinois.gov/DCEO.

SPRINGFIELD – A plan to revamp Illinois’ energy industry and put the state on track to renewable electricity production has passed the General Assembly with support from State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), who said the groundbreaking legislation makes Illinois a national leader on fighting climate change while empowering current and future employees in the energy industry.

“Climate change threatens our health, our homes and our way of life. For the sake of our children’s and grandchildren’s futures, we need bold strokes,” Murphy said. “This landmark plan makes historic investments in local jobs and homegrown renewable energy generation to put Illinois at the forefront of the green energy movement.”

The historic plan would set Illinois on a path toward 50% renewable energy by 2040 and 100% renewable energy by 2050. New workforce training programs would help prepare current power plant employees for long-term, good-paying careers in the green energy industry.

The comprehensive measure also would create a number of safeguards for Illinois’ energy consumers, helping lower costs and increase utility company accountability. For example, it would formally empower the Illinois Commerce Commission to investigate ComEd – and any other utility companies found guilty of criminal behavior – and impose penalties that could include returning money to customers. It also would ban the practice of charging “convenience fees” for customers who prefer to pay using debit or credit cards rather than enrolling in auto-pay or direct bank transfers.

“It’s time to put people—not utility companies—first,” Murphy said. “Illinois is showing the rest of the nation what’s possible when it comes to climate action and clean energy.”

Senate Bill 2408 now awaits the governor’s signature.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans could soon be able to count on clean and reliable energy to power their homes under Senate Bill 18, also known as the Energy Transition Act, a plan State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) says will put the state at the forefront of the nationwide race toward renewable electricity production:

“The Energy Transition Act represents not only the largest investment in renewable energy in Illinois history, but also the most innovative clean energy agreement in the nation.

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinois homeowners can expect an increase in property tax relief under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) raising the maximum income limitation and deferral amount for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program.

“Especially for residents on fixed incomes, property taxes can be a heavy financial burden,” Murphy said. “This law expands a key program offering substantial relief to older homeowners, allowing more retirees to stay in their homes and in the state.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help plan Illinois’ post-pandemic recovery and ensure the state sees it through, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) sponsored a law to give the legislature a voice in the reopening process by reinstating the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission.

“Thanks to all the residents who have gotten their vaccine, the pandemic is ebbing, but our work isn’t finished,” Murphy said. “As we recover and rebuild, the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission will offer lawmakers an avenue to communicate our constituents’ feedback and ideas.”

SPRINGFIELD – Mobile home owners across Illinois can now depend on financial transparency and a basic standard of living, thanks to new laws sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“To know the terms of one’s loan agreement and to have access to clean water—those are essential rights every homeowner should be able to rely on,” Murphy said. “These laws simply bring protections for mobile home owners in line with those afforded to every other Illinoisan.”