Murphy delivers justice for Buddy

DES PLAINES — Less than two years after his tragic death, State Senator Laura Murphy secured justice for Buddy.

“I am so relieved that we finally have justice for Buddy,” said Murphy, a Democrat from Des Plaines. “This legislation will hold owners responsible if their dog kills another dog.”

Buddy was a 10-year-old Yorkie from Hanover Park who was attacked and killed by a neighbor’s dogs in 2017. Today the governor signed Murphy’s proposal to crack down on owners of dangerous animals.

Under the measure, Senate Bill 2386, dog owners could be defined as “reckless” if their animal is deemed dangerous for killing another dog and is found running at large twice within 12 months. If a person is determined to be a reckless owner, all dogs on their property will be forfeited to a licensed shelter, rescue or sanctuary. Reckless dog owners will be prohibited from owning dogs for up to three years if found guilty.

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2019. Murphy was compelled to propose the measure after learning about the circumstances of Donna Dary and her dog, Buddy, who had been with her since he was 2 months old. Dary’s neighbor disregarded guidelines about dog muzzles – a contributing factor in the attack on Buddy – and the dogs were found running at large within a week of killing the Yorkie.

“I hope this legislation will prevent tragic deaths like Buddy’s from occurring,” Murphy said.

Murphy honors Vietnam veterans

State Senator Laura Murphy (D - Des Plaines) joined Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday to honor local veterans of the Vietnam War at an Elk Grove Village VFW Hall.

As part of the event, Senator Murphy presented the veterans with pins commemortating the 50th Anniversay of the War.

"It is truly a humbling experience to be in the presence of some of our country’s true heroes, and it is my absolute pleasure to provide them with these pins honoring their service," Murphy said. "This pin does not go nearly far enough to express the gratitude we have for their bravery and sacrifice. Truthfully, I don’t know if anything can, but that won’t stop me from taking a few minutes of time each and every day to truly thank them for their service and what it means to our great nation."

Murphy and Mercer Country Farm Bureau donate sweetcorn

State Senator Laura Murphy (D - Des Plaines) worked with the Mercer County Farm Bureau and the IL Farm Bureau to organize the donation of a pickup tuck full of sweet corn from Mercer County IL to needy families in the 28th District.

Murphy participates in the Illinois Farm Bureau's "Adopt-a-Legislator" program, which allows downstate and rural county farm bureaus to "adpot" Chicago and suburban lawmakers to educate them about the needs and desires of the State's Farmers. Murphy's adopted Farm Bureau comes from Mercer County, a western Illinois country bordering the Mississippi River.

The corn was donated to Catholic Charities in Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry and the Schaumburg Barn Senior Center.

Murphy recognizes public health efforts of Elk Grove Village Board

State Senator Laura Murphy (D - Des Plaines) visited the Elk Grove Village Board on Tuesday to commend them for the efforts in passing crucial public health legislation, both locally and statewide.

Senator Murphy was a proud sponsor of the legislation in Springfield known as "Tobacco 21," which prohibits the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 21. Elk Grove Village had passed a similar law in 2017.

"If it weren’t for the efforts of the Elk Grove Village Board passing an ordinance last year to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to people under the age of 21, the statewide legislation may never have had the legs to make it through both chambers and onto the Governor’s desk," Murphy said. "Anyone who cares about public health in their community should be grateful for local governments like Elk Grove Village proving that a measure like this is viable statewide."

Murphy also praised the Elk Grove Village Board for implementing a program known as Elk Grove Village Cares, a program meant to curb the opioid epidemic running rampant in Illinois by providing information and help to people who are in need of it.

"The Elk Grove Village Cares program's unique approach to helping people addicted to drugs by providing compassion for, treatment of and information about their addictions is an extremely simple, cost effective way to confront the opioid crisis that is plaguing our nation, our state, and our communities head on," Murphy said.

Murphy spoke at a Village board meeting in front of Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson, Elk Grove Village Trustees and local citizens.