DES PLAINES – To help keep children safe from abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) encourages Illinoisans to become familiar with the warning signs of abuse and explore the resources available to protect children living in potentially violent households.

“School closures mean kids are spending much more time at home. For kids in abusive households, that spells danger,” said Murphy. “Even as we maintain social distancing, it’s important that we continue to look out for the children in our communities.”

Signs of child mistreatment include unexplained injuries and poor hygiene, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children suffering from abuse may also exhibit withdrawal from friends, changes in school performance, rebellious or aggressive behavior, and depression or anxiety.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected can call the Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 800-25-ABUSE (22873) to report the situation. All calls are confidential. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services offers guidance, programs and volunteer opportunities to enable Illinoisans to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in their neighborhoods. For more information or to take advantage of these resources, visit their website.

“Right now, many people are focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus, but we can’t let our children fall by the wayside,” said Murphy. “If you see a child in need of support, I urge you to speak up.”

DES PLAINES – The coronavirus outbreak and resulting social distancing measures have left many Illinoisans feeling anxious and isolated, which prompted State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to share important resources that may help individuals manage their mental health.

“The constant news cycle is enough to make a person feel overwhelmed. When you pair that with layoffs, school closures and separation from friends and loved ones, it’s no surprise this pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health,” said Murphy. “I want everyone to know there is help available.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and programs for those struggling with mental health. Northern Cook County residents can call 847-716-2252 and residents of the Northwest Suburbs can call 847-899-0195 to learn about available resources.

Murphy also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:
• Connecting with friends and family online,
• Keeping regular work hours and routines while at home,
• Preparing healthy meals,
• Exercising regularly, and
• Staying up to date with accurate information.

“Even though we have to be physically distant from friends and family, we can still stay connected,” Murphy said. “We may feel lonely, but we aren’t alone—we’re all in this together.”

Murphy’s staff is working remotely during the Stay at Home Order, but are still responding to calls and emails. She encourages those who need assistance with state services to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. Both resources are available 24/7.

More information about COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide assistance to the many local restaurants and businesses who have closed their doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19, or the new coronavirus, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is sharing information that might help these establishments survive this difficult period.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many businesses shuttered and so many working Illinoisans struggling. It’s important that we stop the spread of coronavirus, but the resulting loss of business has been devastating to our communities,” said Murphy. “It’s vital that we offer them resources to provide some help during this uncertain and challenging time.”

Murphy encourages business owners to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Interested applicants can apply directly at sba.gov/disaster.

To further alleviate some of the economic challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Murphy said the Department of Revenue will defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants in Illinois. Find more information and check whether your business qualifies here.

“I’m also grateful for the State of Illinois for providing help to the working families who now find themselves without a paycheck by making unemployment benefits available to those who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Murphy. “It’s one way we can immediately help relieve some of the financial burdens on our middle class.”

Those without access to paid sick leave or who are unable to work because of COVID-19 can call the Illinois Department of Employment Security at 1-800-244-5631 to apply for these benefits. More information is available here. The department has hired additional staff and expanded business hours to handle an increased volume of calls. Callers may experience long wait times but are encouraged to stay on the call, even if they hear a busy line signal.

Murphy notes that although her office is closed, her staff is working remotely to answer questions and address concerns from constituents. She urges residents to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contactus.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is facing a shortage of health care workers, but State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to fill in the gaps by removing unnecessary and outdated practice barriers for physician assistants (PAs).

“Physician assistants are highly skilled and highly educated, and it would be best for both them and their patients to let them do their jobs,” said Murphy. “Illinois is losing health care workers at an alarming rate. It’s time to remove barriers to care and make them want to stay.”

Murphy’s proposed legislation would simplify partnerships between physicians and PAs by removing burdensome red tape, like written agreements and practice notifications. These bureaucratic barriers restrict health care access for patients, according to a 2018 study by the Brookings Institution, and eliminating them could significantly improve productivity in the health care industry.

The measure would also give PAs representation by establishing a PA regulatory board. Physicians and PAs would be able to work together to decide what care services the PA can provide to patients, based on his or her education, training and experience.

“There are more than 3,000 PAs in Illinois. Everyone has a friend or loved one who has been cared for by a PA,” said Murphy. “They deserve a helping hand, too.”

Senate Bill 2758 has been assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.