Sen. Laura Murphy reacts to unanimous compromise to invest in MAP grants, services for developmentally disabled

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to invest in MAP grants, universities and community colleges, as well as services for those living with developmentally disabled.

“These proposals are an investment in the nearly 1,900 students in my district who depend on MAP grants to continue their education, as well as services for those with developmental disabilities, like autism and epilepsy.

“They are far from perfect, but these are much-needed bipartisan compromises. I commend the legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle for finally coming together to invest in our state’s future."

Murphy proposal to increase budget transparency, financial accountability passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) today passed a measure through the Senate State Government and Veterans’ Affairs Committee that will bring much needed transparency and accountability to the state budgeting process.

The 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.

“Just like Illinois families who plan annual household budgets and are forced to find solutions when money gets tight, state officials will now be required to craft a solution to deal with potential budgetary shortfalls years in advance,” 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 increasing financial accountability and transparency.  

Murphy’s proposal passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 7-1and heads to the Senate Floor.

State Sen. Laura Murphy reacts to Senate passing higher education funding

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the statement below after the Senate passed Senate Bill 2046, which invests in community colleges, universities and services for those living with developmental disabilities.

“Today, we again gave the governor an opportunity to stand by his repeated promises to invest in a competitive, compassionate Illinois. This proposal prevents further layoffs at community colleges like Harper College, and provides stability for families who depend on state services to care for their loved ones living with disabilities like autism and epilepsy.

“In my district alone, 1,900 students are unsure if they will be able to continue school without access to MAP grants. Dozens of families who depend on services to help their loved ones with autism and epilepsy don’t know how much longer the programs they depend on will last without funding.

“Governor Rauner can end this uncertainty by immediately signing this proposal to provide much-needed stability for these families and for our entire state.”

Murphy passes first bill to stand up for veterans

SPRINGFIELD – Many businesses offer discounts to veterans to thank them for their service to our country. Unfortunately, occasionally non-veterans will pose as military members to try to take advantage of these discounts.

To cut down on people falsely impersonating veterans, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) passed legislation through the Illinois Senate today to make it a petty offense to falsely impersonate a veteran. The proposal, Senate Bill 2167, was also her first bill.

“Veterans have given so much for our country we need to make sure their sacrifices are not taken advantage of by people trying to scam the system for their own financial gain,” Murphy said.

If the proposal is signed into law, Illinois will join several other states including Alabama, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to have similar “Stolen Valor” laws.

Murphy’s legislation passed the Senate with an overwhelming bipartisan vote and will now head to the Illinois House.