Murphy sees a brighter future in landmark energy policy overhaul

• Clean energy

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.

“We’re taking bold steps to decarbonize our energy sector by 2050 in a way that protects and creates jobs, divesting from imported power from other states and investing in homegrown renewable energy every Illinoisan can depend on.

“This plan puts the people of Illinois above corporate interests, laying the foundation for thousands of good-paying jobs, long-term economic development, and a brighter, healthier, more equitable future for our children and grandchildren.”

Older Illinoisans have more options for property tax relief under Murphy law

• Seniors
• Property tax
• Taxes

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.”

Through tax year 2025, the law raises the maximum income limitation for the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program from $55,000 to $65,000. It also increases the maximum deferral amount from $5,000 to $7,500.

The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral program allows qualifying Illinoisans age 65 and older to defer all or part of their property tax and special assessment payments on their principal residences.

The legislation was sponsored in the House by State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-Olympia Fields).

“This legislation expands the eligibility for fixed-income seniors to help them pay their property taxes,” Meyers-Martin said. “It is important that we pass this legislation to help provide some property tax relief to our seniors and keep them in their homes.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 2244, was signed into law Friday.

Northwest Suburban libraries to receive over $360,000 in upgrades

• Elk Grove Village
• Education
• Schaumburg
• Park Ridge
• Des Plaines
• In the district
• Library
• Grants

DES PLAINES – Communities across the Northwest Suburbs will be able to enjoy expanded services at their local libraries thanks to more than $360,000 in grants, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Thursday.

“Kids who read, succeed. Local libraries are a major contributor to literacy in our neighborhoods,” Murphy said. “With the school year starting back up, the resources libraries offer—computers, meeting spaces and helpful librarians—will be in even greater demand.”

Four libraries in the 28^th District will receive a combined $361,075.58, part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more. 

“Our community is brighter and stronger thanks to our libraries,” Murphy said. “This funding will help support the work they do every day to educate and inspire.”

The following libraries in the district Murphy represents will receive funds:

• Des Plaines Public Library, $86,086.90
• Elk Grove Village Public Library, $32,603.40
• Park Ridge Public Library, $55,283
• Schaumburg Township District Library, $187,102.28

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

Murphy extends commission to give residents a voice in pandemic recovery

• Government accountability
• Coronavirus
• Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission

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.”

The law reenacts the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission, a bipartisan, bicameral commission created last May to monitor and help shape the state’s economic recovery plans after the COVID-19 crisis.

The commission met from July through December 2020, joined by representatives from a variety of state agencies to ask questions and offer feedback to help advance the state’s recovery.

The commission originally sunset on Dec. 31, 2020, but in light of the continuing challenges of the pandemic, Murphy’s initiative extends the operation of the commission by two years to Jan. 1, 2023.

“The executive branch doesn’t operate in a vacuum—the legislature must be a part of our state’s recovery strategy,” Murphy said. “Through the commission, we can work together to ensure Illinois comes back stronger than ever.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 632, was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect immediately.