Prisoner Review Board reforms coming thanks to new law championed by Murphy

SPRINGFIELD – The Prisoner Review Board will see much-needed reforms thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“These reforms are about safety and fairness, and are needed to protect both victims and the public,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Through the clarification of objective criteria for reviewing cases, we are not only making the process fair for all, we are making it more professional.”

The law updates many structures within the PRB, which address the needs of victims, the composition of the board and more. One of the membership requirements is to include individuals with experience in advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence or intimate partner violence. Members must participate in at least 20 hours of annual training on the correctional system, rehabilitative corrections and programming, and domestic violence.

Read more: Prisoner Review Board reforms coming thanks to new law championed by Murphy

Two Elk Grove Village manufacturers receive state funding thanks to Murphy

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy announced two small Elk Grove Village manufacturers have been selected to participate in and receive state funding through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

“By providing funding to small and mid-sized manufacturers, we give them the opportunity to thrive,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “These grants empower innovation — ensuring our local industries remain competitive and continue to grow.”

The Made in Illinois Grant Program provides matching grants of up to $50,000 to help small and mid-sized manufacturers invest in strategic projects that fuel innovation, increase productivity and enhance competitiveness.

In 2025, the program awarded $1.35 million to 29 manufacturers employing a combined 1,120 individuals supporting projects that represent a total investment of over $38.3 million statewide.

In Murphy’s district, Atomic Industrial Machine, Inc. and Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes in Elk Grove Village were selected as recipients of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program.

“Investing in local manufacturers strengthens our communities by creating jobs, boosting the local economy and ensuring long-term economic resilience right here at home,” said Murphy. “I am proud of these two organizations for their hard work and dedication.”

A full list of recipients can be found here.

Murphy law allows access to breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments

Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease will soon be more accessible thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“If individuals receive treatment in time, it can slow the progression of this terrible disease,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When a family member has Alzheimer’s, every moment counts, so people shouldn’t be denied treatments that are effective.”

An initiative of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, the law requires group and individual health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnostic testing for doctors to determine the appropriate use of treatments or medications will also be covered.

In recent years, the FDA has approved medications that have been shown to delay cognitive decline for people impacted by the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Under this measure, any individual with insurance will able to access these life-changing treatments.

“We have been joining the fight against Alzheimer’s for years,” said Murphy. “Having access to these breakthrough treatment options shouldn’t depend on your insurance plan. This law puts patients first.”

Senate Bill 126 was signed into law Monday. A majority of the bill goes into effect immediately.

Murphy: Budget navigates complex fiscal landscape

State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget:

“Once again, Illinois has produced a balanced budget that provides funding for essential services, without putting additional tax burdens on working families. It is a plan that puts people first while navigating a complex fiscal landscape. Despite financial challenges, this budget takes a responsible approach to ensuring stability and continued investment in our communities.

“In Illinois, we are fighting to ensure students have access to an equitable education. K-12 education will continue to be fully funded through the evidence-based funding formula, ensuring our youth have the support and resources needed to succeed. The investments in higher education are also notable with a $10 million increase for MAP grants and funding to keep momentum at community colleges all over the state.

“I’m also glad to see wage increases for community care workers and direct support professionals. They are the backbone of support for our seniors and people with disabilities, this wage increase helps recognize their essential work. We need these essential workers in our communities, so I will continue to fight for future increases to support a high-quality workforce to care for our seniors and those with disabilities.

“We are maintaining our funding responsibilities to local governments. Local governments are on the front lines of our communities. Keeping level funding is essential to ensure they have the resources to meet their residents’ needs and keep communities vibrant.

“This budget does the difficult job of ensuring vital services continue to be funded, regardless of the uncertainty of funding from the federal government. I would like to thank my colleagues for coming together to ensure that financial needs of this state are addressed in a fair and equitable way.”