Murphy votes against gaming expansion to protect local funds

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) today voted to oppose legislation that would allow for massive gaming expansion, but does not hold internet gaming organizations to the same regulations as other gaming in Illinois.

“If gaming is expanded in Illinois it needs to be a comprehensive plan with everyone held to the same standards. No special deals should be given to online gaming – it is still gambling,” Murphy said.

Murphy also cited concerns that the funds allocated to the city of Des Plaines from Three Rivers Casino would be adversely affected by the gaming expansion. Des Plaines is already at a disadvantage because Rivers Casino is the only casino in the state with a revenue sharing agreement, which requires funds that would normally be given to the local community to be shared with other municipalities around the state.

“If we are going to authorize this kind of gaming expansion, we need to renegotiate the Rivers Casino deal so it is in line with the other casino revenue sharing deals granted by the state,” Murphy said.

The legislation is still pending in the Senate.

Sen. Laura Murphy reacts to bipartisan funding agreement for services for those with developmental disabilities

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the statement below following the Illinois Senate unanimously passing Senate Bill 2038 56-0, which will fund services for those with autism, epilepsy and other developmental disabilities.

“This is another step toward a bipartisan budget solution. It is not perfect, but it does provide much-needed relief to the children and families who rely on social services to care for their loved ones. I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to find solutions for the problems facing Illinois families.”

Sen. Laura Murphy votes to preserve education funding for Northwest suburbs

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) opposed a proposal in the Illinois Senate yesterday that would reallocate funding from suburban schools to other school districts.

“Everyone realizes the education funding formula is broken, but this proposal cuts suburban school districts huge amounts and I could not support it,” Murphy said.

Murphy supports property tax relief as part of any final proposal.

 “We must focus on a reform package that includes property tax relief for homeowners, while requiring businesses pay their fair share so we can invest in schools, roads and other services for Illinois.”

Murphy proposal to increase budget transparency, financial responsibility advances through the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) passed a measure through the Illinois Senate last week that will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the state budgeting process.

Sen. Murphy’s proposal, Senate Bill 2585, requires the governor’s budget office to annually produce a report containing a four-year budget forecast that also lays out detailed solutions to solve any predicted budgetary shortfalls. The report also must be posted online so it is available to the general public.

“This is a significant step forward for financial responsibility in the state budget. This proposal will require the state to set a budget plan for the future, instead of going from one financial crisis to the next,” Murphy said.

The legislation was brought to Murphy by the Budgeting for Results Commission, which makes annual recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on how to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government, as well as increase financial accountability and transparency.  

Murphy’s proposal passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 51-0-0 and will now head to the Illinois House.