Senator Murphy to host health insurance webinar

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy is teaming up with the Illinois Department of Insurance to host a health insurance webinar on Sept. 9.

“The world of health insurance can be a difficult one to navigate, but you don’t have to walk it alone,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “At this webinar, you will have the chance to gain answers to all the questions you have about health insurance.”

The webinar will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9 at noon via Zoom. It will be presented by the Illinois Department of Insurance and is free and open to the public. A recording will be made available following the presentation.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about basic insurance terminology, how to understand their insurance plans, mental health parity and new laws that have been passed in Illinois. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session. Participants can join via bit.ly/HealthWebinar2025.

For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or online.

Murphy law protects students from educator misconduct

SPRINGFIELD – A loophole that left schools in the dark regarding educator misconduct investigations will be closed thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Investigations into educator misconduct are vital to ensure children are protected in school, which is why closing this loophole is not only important – it’s necessary,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When school districts are informed about misconduct investigations, they are able to safeguard students.”

Prior to Murphy’s law, the Illinois State Board of Education was prohibited from providing information on pending misconduct charges or ongoing investigations to an educator’s current employing school district. This left school districts in the dark about whether they unknowingly hired a teacher engaged in misconduct, potentially putting their students at risk.

Read more: Murphy law protects students from educator misconduct

Murphy to host college savings seminar

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy is teaming up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s office to host a college funding savings seminar on Sept. 10.

“Saving for your child’s college can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By attending this seminar, you will learn the best ways to put money aside for future college expenses.”

The seminar will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Schaumburg Township Library’s Adult Classroom, located at 130 S. Roselle Rd. It will be presented by the Illinois State Treasurer’s office and is free and open to the public.

Parents will have the opportunity to learn about important college costs to consider, including housing, meals, books and supplies. The presenters will highlight the Bright Start 529 savings plan and how it can be used to cover qualified education costs.

For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or online.

Equine therapy will be more accessible under Murphy law

SPRINGFIELD – Medically necessary equine therapy will soon be covered by health insurance thanks to a law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“There are many effective forms for therapy, but insurance roadblocks and cost barriers often leave patients without access to the care they need,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Equine therapy can support mental health and emotional growth, and soon it will be available to individuals who could benefit from this treatment but couldn’t afford it.”

Equine therapy encompasses therapies that involve interacting with horses, including specific therapies used by physical, occupational and speech therapists to engage different sensory responses for patients. It has shown positive effects for people living with PTSD, autism and many other conditions.

Read more: Equine therapy will be more accessible under Murphy law