Murphy votes to bring local dollars home

Springfield – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) co-sponsored legislation today to bring taxpayer money, withheld due to the state budget impasse, back to local communities.

“As a former city official, I know firsthand the difficult decisions many of these municipalities were forced to make due to the lack of leadership in Springfield. It is past time that these tax dollars were sent back to the local communities they came from, to help avoid layoffs and property tax hikes,” said Murphy.

While state officials have not provided exact totals on the amount communities are owed, in 2014, Des Plaines, for example, received over $1.4 million. Last year’s totals for other communities in the area included:
•    Schaumburg $1.8 million
•    Hoffman Estates: $1.2 million
•    Hanover Park: over $940,000
•    Park Ridge: over $920,000
•    Elk Grove Village: over $820,000

The proposal also included funding to pay lottery winners, fund breast cancer research and road salt for state highways.

“This is a significant first step but it is only that – a first step. While I am encouraged that we were able to come together in a bipartisan fashion for these essential services, there is still work to be done to ensure that working and middle-class families in Illinois are not getting squeezed and that services are funded for the vulnerable members of our state, such as individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, rape victims and college students in need of MAP grants,” Murphy said.

Senate Bill 2039 will now head to the governor’s desk.

Murphy will vote to bring local dollars home

SPRINGFIELD- State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the statement below following a bipartisan vote in the Illinois House to release nearly $3.1 billion in critical funds that have been held up due to the ongoing state budget impasse.

“It is past time to release these funds to local communities to prevent the impending layoffs and property tax increases many were being forced to consider. It is unacceptable and immoral that so-called Illinois leaders have taken this long to approve funding that taxpayers have already paid.

“I am encouraged that finally, after months of waiting, the budget is beginning to take shape. While I look forward to supporting this proposal next week to give Illinois communities the stability they desperately need, this is only the first step. We must continue to work together in a bipartisan fashion to protect funding for MAP grants for college students and other services essential to Illinois families,” Murphy said.

Murphy is a Chief Co-Sponsor of the proposal, SB 2039. It must first pass the Senate next week before it is sent to the governor. The legislation also includes:

•    $1 billion to the Lottery for prizes.
•    $582.5 million to IDOT for local governments share of motor fuel gas tax revenues.
•    $43 million to the Community College Board for career and technical education activities.
•    $45 million to the Dept of Revenue so local governments can receive their share of video gaming proceeds.
•    $3.1 million to the Illinois Math and Science Academy to allow them to access their income funds and pay operating costs.
•    $31 million to IDOT to purchase road salt.
•    $2.5 million for breast cancer services and research.
•    $28 million for nursing home licensing and inspections.
•    $165 million for home heating bill assistance.
•    $77 million for 911-related costs.
•    $3.1 million to the Illinois Department of Public Health for the Tobacco Quitline.

The Illinois Senate is scheduled to convene Monday, Dec. 7 for a planned vote on the authorization.

Sen. Murphy calls for an end to political posturing, remains focused on families, children and public safety

SPRINGFIELD- It has been nearly six months since the four legislative leaders met with the governor to discuss a budget. That all changed today, however, when the Senate President, Speaker of the House and Republican leaders in both chambers met with the governor to discuss the ongoing budget impasse.

The meeting was spurred in part by legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to require the governor and legislative leaders to meet weekly until a budget is agreed upon.

“The state of Illinois has been without a budget for over five months now. This meeting, while a good starting point, is far overdue. It is time to stop playing politics with Illinois communities and get to work to prevent even further damage,” Murphy said.

“Without a budget, local governments are being forced to choose between raising property taxes and laying off first responders. College students that would normally return to school in the spring will be forced to decide if they can still afford to attend without MAP grant funding. Refusing to work toward a compromise has a real and lasting impact on our families and communities.”

The meeting consisted of both public comments and a private meeting. While the budget was not resolved during the public portion, the legislative leaders did commit to further negotiations following the private meeting.

Sen. Murphy announces commitment to area job growth

SPRINGFIELD- To help promote job openings in the area, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), has announced she will continue the “Job of the Day” program created by her predecessor.

“My top priority as a new State Senator is to put people back to work. There are many local, good-paying jobs for people who are looking to find employment, but they are not always easy to find. I look forward to using my office as a resource for those looking to join our work force,” said Murphy.

Under the program, Murphy’s office will post jobs daily in the 28th District on her website, Facebook and Twitter.