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.

Sen. Laura Murphy reacts to governor approving funding for MAP grants, Harper College

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the governor signed the proposal passed by the Senate last week to invest in MAP grants, community colleges and four-year universities.

“This investment in Illinois’ future shows what the governor and legislative leaders can accomplish when they drop the partisan rhetoric and focus on the real issues facing our state. While it is far from perfect, these funds provide temporary relief to students and colleges in Illinois.

“The governor and legislative leaders must now come together to put together a full plan to provide stability for Illinois’ economic future.”