New Murphy law ensures transparency for projected rent increases in mobile home parks

• rent

SPRINGFIELD – Mobile home residents will now have access to more information about projected rent increases when going into a rental agreement, thanks to a measure introduced by State Senator Laura Murphy (D--Des Plaines) that was signed into law Friday.

“Tenants deserve to know about future changes to their rental agreements when they sign a new lease,” Murphy said. “This law will give them more insight into rental projections so that they can make informed decisions that impact their financial future.”

The law aids mobile home park residents by ensuring they are shown rent increase projections to their lots before signing their lease. This allows them to decide if they can invest in a lot with the fluctuating rent prices. Additionally, the law clarifies language for tenants and first time buyers of mobile homes to help people living in mobile home parks better understand the terms of their financial agreements.

The law also removes fees for owning a pet in a mobile home. All of these measures aim to assist mobile home park residents with selecting the most financially viable rental agreement for them, and removing unnecessary fees that may have deterred potential tenants from choosing to live in a mobile home park.

“Pet fees are sadly a financial deterrent for working class families deciding on where they can afford to live,” Murphy said. “I am proud that this law not only eliminates pet fees, but also works to make sure that families can enter rental agreements that work for their financial situations, allowing them to rest easier without having to worry about unexpected price increases and instead, enjoy their home.”

SB 1097 was signed into law Friday, May 6. It is effective immediately.

Murphy announces over $21 million investment in DuPage Department of Public Works to repair infrastructure

• Grants
• environment

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.

Murphy vows to protect reproductive rights in Illinois following leaked Supreme Court opinion

• healthcare
• women's rights
• women's health care
• abortion
• supreme court

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Murphy (D—Des Plaines) strongly condemns the draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide, that was leaked to the press last night. Murphy released the following statement in response to the opinion:

"It is terrifying that in 2022 a woman in this nation may be given less freedoms and choices over her body and places to receive care for it. We've worked too hard to move women forward to take a step back like this now. I will continue to fight until the right to choose is protected for all women."

Senator Murphy declares FY 23 budget a win for working families

• Budget
• law enforcement
• working families

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families are eligible to receive a tax rebate and financial assistance through tax relief programs included in the budget signed today by Governor JB Pritzker. Relief will come as early as July 1, thanks to support from State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“Hardworking Illinoisans have been asking for help from the state, and I am happy to report that this budget will deliver the assistance they need,” Murphy said. “This budget not only pays all of our obligations, but provides low and middle-class people some financial relief—money that is much needed considering the difficulties in the past two years.”

Governor JB Pritzker signed the budget and the bipartisan tax relief plan – found within Senate Bill 157 – Tuesday.

The law sends money directly to taxpayers, sending relief checks straight to the mailboxes of more than 95% of taxpayers and homeowners. It also permanently expands the earned income tax credit, which will put $100 million per year back into the pockets of families who need it most.

Further, the tax relief plan includes a suspension on the 1% state grocery tax for a year, as well as a suspension of the state’s portion of the gas tax increase—saving consumers approximately $470 million in total.

Additional support for working families and teachers will be brought through back-to-school tax relief thanks to a sales tax reduction period in August, a teacher classroom supplies tax credit and an increase in the MAP college scholarship program.

Beyond providing relief for working families, the budget allocates funds to strengthen violence prevention programs, provides law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent and solve crimes, and more. The total investment in public safety is over $500 million.

“With rising crime rates across the state, it is imperative that we provide the best resources possible to law enforcement for them to address this issue,” Murphy said. “I am hopeful that this renewed investment in law enforcement will help reduce crime and work to keep our communities safe.”

The Fiscal Year 2023 budget will take effect July 1, 2022.