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

Murphy measure that protects consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car sellers signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy spearheaded a new law to protect consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car dealers deceiving consumers with sales of defective cars.

“This law ensures that we are holding unlicensed car dealers accountable and ensure every car sale meets the standards of safety and honesty,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Ending curbstoning lifts a burden off of Illinois consumers.”

The goal is to make the already illegal practice of “curbstoning” — a scheme where individual sellers draw car shoppers to places like parking lots and side streets to sell used cars without a license — more difficult. The cars are sold for more money than they are worth and typically have significant issues such as water damage, mileage rollbacks, mechanical issues, or salvaged titles — which are only issued if the car has sustained enough damage to be declared a total loss.

Read more: Murphy measure that protects consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car sellers signed into law

Murphy secures over $340,000 for three Northwest Suburban libraries

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy announced three libraries in the 28th District are set to receive a combined total of over $340,000 for library services and programming.

“Libraries are the beating hearts of our communities, providing vital knowledge and invaluable services that help families thrive,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This additional funding will empower our communities by expanding all our libraries have to offer.”

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.

Three libraries in the district Murphy represents received over $340,000 in funding, including:

• Des Plaines Public Library, $89,496
• Park Ridge Public Library, $58,493
• Schaumburg Township District Library, $192,259

More information on available library grants can be found here.