Morrison hosting holiday donation drive for kids in need

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) will host a holiday donation drive to keep children in foster care warm and comforted this winter.

“In the spirit of giving this holiday season, I’m pleased to partner with so many community organizations to collect new pajamas for children in need,” Morrison said. “Warm pajamas are a basic human need, yet far too many children are left without each winter.”

In Illinois alone, more than 21,000 youth are in foster care and many are removed from their homes with only the clothes they were wearing at the time.

Read more: Morrison hosting holiday donation drive for kids in need

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.”

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

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.

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

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.”

Read more: Senator Morrison reminds local businesses to apply for grants before deadline