SPRINGFIELD – The bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission livestreamed Tuesday’s meeting to discuss relief programs administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The RICC was initiated as a mechanism for the governor and his administration to inform the General Assembly of their actions in relation to COVID-19,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “The commission has been engaging with state agencies since July to provide feedback on the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan, and we decided it’s time for the public to get the opportunity to view these discussions as well.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Assistant DCEO Director Michael Negron gave an overview of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (Local CURE) programs, which provide pandemic relief aid to small businesses and local governments, respectively.

DES PLAINES – To help patients in need of donated blood and support efforts to find an effective treatment for COVID-19, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a blood drive Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, located at 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, blood donations hit a critical low, putting thousands of Illinoisans at risk,” Murphy said. “Now, blood donation is even more important, as researchers think it may have potential as a COVID-19 treatment. I urge anyone who is able to donate to make an appointment.”

All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers hope blood containing antibodies—also known as convalescent plasma—may help treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

Murphy has partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host the event. To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins may be accommodated. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit http://bit.ly/BloodDrive-12-8-20.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy released the following statement regarding the postponement of the upcoming General Assembly veto session:

“I’m disheartened to learn we will not be able to move forward on the legislation we’ve been working on, but especially given recent surges in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state, postponing veto session is the most responsible choice.

“With many regions experiencing peaks even higher than we saw in the spring, convening the General Assembly could contribute to the spread of the virus both in Springfield and in legislators’ home communities.

“Although we won’t be in the Capitol, the work doesn’t stop. I plan to continue negotiating with my fellow lawmakers to find ways to support working families, improve higher education, and keep Illinoisans in Illinois.

“When we return to Springfield, I look forward to hitting the ground running.”

DES PLAINES – The open enrollment period is now underway for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, and to help Illinoisans navigate their coverage options, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a live Q&A with Get Covered Illinois on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

“Especially during a pandemic, it’s critical to have a dependable health insurance plan that fits your needs,” Murphy said. “Get Covered Illinois offers helpful tools and one-on-one assistance to help make the enrollment process as smooth as possible.”

DES PLAINES – More than $700,000 has been awarded to 18 North Suburban businesses through the second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program, and millions of dollars are still available, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Friday.

“Over the past few months, small businesses have not only been faced with losses as a result of pandemic-related closures, but also the extra costs that come with adhering to state health guidelines,” said Murphy. “These funds will allow them to continue operating with customer and staff safety in mind.”

In the district Murphy represents, 18 businesses—including restaurants, salons and event venues—received a combined $730,000. Grants ranged from $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

In total, more than $46 million has been awarded to 1,200 local businesses across the state in the second round of the BIG program. This investment builds on the $49 million awarded to more than 2,800 businesses in the first round of funding.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, but applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“Thousands of businesses across the state have already taken advantage of the BIG program, but there’s still time to apply for remaining funds,” said Murphy. “I encourage all affected businesses to submit an application as soon as they can.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO website.

DES PLAINES – With stricter mitigation measures now in effect in suburban Cook County, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is reminding business owners to apply for available aid through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“The majority of our small businesses are doing the right thing and following health and safety guidelines, and we need to lift up those establishments to ensure they can survive these tough times,” said Murphy. “They need support, both from the state and from the community, to keep them afloat. The BIG program is one crucial resource to help our local businesses cope with losses.”

Applications for the second round of the BIG program are available now and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on heavily distressed industries and businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found here.

Murphy also encourages residents to support the local restaurants and businesses working hard to keep customers and staff safe.

“With the holiday season approaching, there are many ways to lend a hand to our small business community,” said Murphy. “Order carryout, purchase a gift card or leave a local business a positive review online to give them a boost.”

DES PLAINES – In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) invited women small business owners to join “All in for Women,” a series of webinars from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) about navigating the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“Our women business owners work hard to support our local economy and make our small business community diverse and unique,” said Murphy. “This month and every month, they deserve to be celebrated. These informative webinars can help provide the resources and assistance they need to thrive.”

At “All in for Women,” business owners will be able to connect with DCEO officials to learn more about the BIG program, eligibility requirements and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.

The Business Interruption Grant program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19.

In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.

The webinar will be offered in four sessions, and registration is required:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.

Other resources, including webinars geared toward women in manufacturing, Latina business owners and more, are available on the DCEO Office of Minority Economic Empowerment website.

HANOVER PARK – To make it more convenient for residents of the Northwest Suburbs to monitor their health, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site this Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Evangel Church, located at 5700 Bartels Road in Hanover Park.

“Testing is a critical part of our state’s recovery plan,” said Murphy. “This testing site will give residents a fast, easy and free opportunity to ensure they’re keeping themselves, their families and their communities healthy.”

Anyone will be able to get tested at the site for free, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is necessary, but daily testing supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to visit early.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

However, people with COVID-19 can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. For this reason, IDPH recommends testing for anyone who has recently been part of a large gathering or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.