SPRINGFIELD – Children living in unincorporated areas will no longer have to pay large non-resident fees to access resources in libraries outside of their district, thanks to a law led by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“It is long past time to increase access to library materials for our children who need to succeed and learn by reading,” Murphy said. “This law will ensure all children—regardless of where they live—will be able to gain knowledge through their local libraries.”

Currently, children who want to access resources from a library outside of their district must pay a non-resident fee. These fees are determined by each library’s board of trustees, and typically are at least equal to the cost paid by the residents of the district. However, the fees are often far too expensive for children who want to access resources, like reading materials or computers, during their school breaks. Murphy aims to address these disparities by waiving non-resident library fees for kids who want to expand their horizons through reading.

Murphy is a longtime supporter of increasing accessibility to library resources. In 2020, she advocated for a group of high school students living in unincorporated Des Plaines who could not check out reading materials from their local libraries without paying hundreds of dollars in non-resident fees. To address this issue, she supported a bill that extended library access to children residing outside of the municipality where their local library is located, which passed the Senate unanimously.

“Reading from an early age is proven to make children more successful in the future,” Murphy said. “This law will give more children access to library books—giving all kids opportunities to the tools that will help create a better future.”

SB 3497 was signed into law May 13, 2022. It goes into effect immediately.

DES PLAINES –State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is proud to announce that the state Environmental Protection Agency is investing over $21 million in the DuPage County Department of Public Works to improve the infrastructure of water reclamation facilities.

“Investing in our water infrastructure is essential to protect our environment and the health of our residents,” Murphy said. “I am glad to see this program at work in DuPage County.”

The DuPage County Department of Public Works will receive funding to upgrade the electrical equipment at the Woodridge-Greene Valley and the Knollwood Water Reclamation Facilities. The investment will cover replacing the electrical systems and backup generators.

The funds come from the Illinois EPA's State Revolving Fund Program, which includes the Water Pollution Control Loan Program and the Public Water Supply Loan Program. These programs provide low-interest loans to fund wastewater, storm water and drinking water projects.

“The infrastructure of water reclamation facilities needs to be updated across the state to keep our residents healthy,” Murphy said. “Illinois should set the standard for high-quality water infrastructure nationwide–and programs like this are the first step.”

Projects are funded throughout the state through the Rebuild Illinois program, and recipients will receive an interest rate of 1.11% for both wastewater and drinking water loans. Find more information about Illinois EPA’s SRF program here.

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, it is important to get tested if you feel ill or have been exposed to someone who has the virus — even if you're vaccinated.

Walgreens, CVS, and Jewel-Osco — among other well-known stores — offer free testing and vaccines seven days a week.

The Cook County Public Health Department also hosts many locations across the district, which include the following:

ACCESS Genesis Center for Health and Empowerment

1 N. Broadway, Des Plaines // Make an appointment

ACCESS Northwest Family Health Center

1120 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights // Make an appointment

To search for other testing sites in the area, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website here.

 

                                                                   

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.