Welcome to Illinois State Senator Laura Murphy Legislative Website

Murphy: Blagojevich release signals that ethics reform is needed at all levels of government

• Ethics

SPRINGFIELD – In response to news that President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“I am disappointed and troubled by former Gov. Blagojevich’s early release. His crime remains a prime example of the kind of corrupt behavior we should be working to eradicate, and the commutation of his sentence signals that the federal government isn’t serious about ethics reform.

“Here in Illinois, I’m working with my fellow lawmakers to restore the public’s trust in government, and I worry that Illinoisans will see this news as a step back.

“But I am still committed to eliminating corruption and greed at all levels of government. Despite today’s frustration, I will continue my efforts to change the corrupt culture in Springfield and hold bad actors accountable for their actions. It’s time to follow through on our promises and demand ethical behavior from our elected officials.”

Murphy plan would use colleges’ social media to better connect to vets and active military

• Veterans
• Higher education
• Mental Health

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and active service members would be able to use social media to connect with their colleges’ support networks under legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“In 2020, most college students use social media to get important information, and that includes veterans and active military personnel,” said Murphy. “It’s one tool in our communications toolkit, and we need to start using it to our advantage.”

Currently, public colleges and universities must designate one employee to coordinate services for veteran and active military students. The employee’s contact information and a brief summary of their services must be available on the campus’ homepage and promotional mailings for student applications.

Murphy’s measure would require the information to be available on the institution’s social media accounts as well.

“Our veterans and service members face unique challenges as they pursue education during and after their service, so we know they need unique support,” said Murphy. “We should make it as quick and easy as possible to access that support.”

Senate Bill 3069 has passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and now goes before the full Senate.

Murphy urges neighbors to get counted at upcoming census event

• Events
• District event
• In the district
• Census

Aspiring accountants encouraged to apply for scholarship program

• Education
• Higher education
• apply now

SPRINGFIELD – College students pursuing accounting degrees could receive up to $4,000 in scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

The Illinois CPA Society will award more than 40 scholarships of up to $4,000 each to Illinois students through its Accounting Scholarship Program.

“Finances should never stop a hardworking student from getting their degree, but the cost of higher education keeps rising,” said Murphy. “These scholarships could fill in the gaps and make a huge difference for a future accountant.”

Applicants must be an accounting student enrolled at an Illinois college and must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement and leadership qualities.

Available scholarships include:
•    Illinois CPA Society Accounting Scholarships for seniors and graduate students;
•    Herman J. Neal Accounting Scholarships for African American juniors, seniors and graduate students;
•    James A. Sikich Visionary Scholarships for seniors and graduate students;
•    Jovencio P. and Violeta R. Mangahas Accounting Scholarships for seniors and graduate students; and
•    Women’s Executive Committee Advancing Women in Accounting Scholarships for female seniors and graduate students.

Students may apply to any or all scholarships for which they are eligible by submitting a single application. The application deadline is April 1, 2020.

In addition, racial and ethnic minority high school seniors are invited to apply for Illinois CPA Society Freshman Scholarships, which aim to increase awareness of the accounting profession among minority students and prepare them for success in college and the profession. The application deadline for these scholarships is May 1, 2020.

“I’m grateful that organizations like the Illinois CPA Society give back by helping the next generation succeed,” said Murphy. “Everyone deserves the chance to pursue an education.”

All scholarship applications can be completed online at the Illinois CPA Society website.