DES PLAINES – To help older adults stay connected with their community and spread cheer this holiday season, State Senator Laura Murphy is collecting holiday cards for residents at local long-term care facilities.

“Generous card donations from our community for the past three years have made the holidays brighter for thousands of individuals living in long-term care facilities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “The holidays are a time for us to spread cheer and warmth to our friends and neighbors, which is why I am excited to continue the tradition this year.”

Murphy is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write handmade or store-bought cards for donation. She is also encouraging local teachers and students to participate and use their creativity to bring joy to older adults in the community during the holidays.

Cards can be mailed or delivered to Murphy’s office at 1645 S. River Rd., Suite 7, Des Plaines, IL 60018 through Monday, Dec. 16. Cards can be dropped through the mail slot in Murphy’s office.

SPRINGFIELD – Young adults in Illinois Department of Corrections custody could see new educational opportunities thanks to a new law led by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Incarcerating a young adult creates a gap in their education that can lead to a loss of future opportunities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “We want to give emerging adults the chance at a fresh start when they leave custody and equip them with the tools they need to become productive, responsible members of their communities.”

The measure allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services, including individual and group therapy, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

“One of the best ways to ensure that young adults have the ability to find their footing when they rejoin their community is to provide them with educational opportunities,” said Murphy. “Developmentally appropriate services can give them the necessary tools to lower their chance of reoffending.”

Senate Bill 426 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease will become more accessible thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can leave a person and their loved ones feeling like their lives have been turned upside down, but knowing that they have access to the treatments that they need can be a relief,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Early treatment can significantly enhance the patient’s well-being and provide valuable time for families to adapt and plan for the future.”

The measure will require the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments and medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Under the new law, diagnostic testing for a physician to determine the appropriate course of treatment will also be covered.

SPRINGFIELD – Relief from drug shortages is coming soon for Illinoisans with prescription medications, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“No one wants to have to call every pharmacy in their area just to see if their medication is in stock. This process takes precious time, and some pharmacies won’t give out that information over the phone,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “What’s worse is when generic medication is unavailable while brand-name medication is, the patient’s insurance often times won’t cover it. This can result in patients paying tens or hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket just to maintain their health.”

Murphy’s measure will require group health insurance and managed care plans to cover brand-name prescription drugs if the generic drug is unavailable during a nationwide shortage.

Last summer, there were 309 ongoing drug shortages in the United States, marking the highest number in a decade. Among the medications affected are those used to treat cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and asthma. Insurance companies will typically cover either the generic or the brand-name medication, but rarely both. During shortages, patients whose insurance only covers the generic drug are given the option to purchase the brand-name medication at many times the normal cost.

“Ensuring coverage for brand-name medication when generic alternatives aren’t available is a vital step toward increasing access to affordable health care,” Murphy said. “By providing coverage for these medications, we prevent patients from facing barriers to essential treatments, allowing them to receive the care they need without undue financial burden.”

Senate Bill 2672 was signed into law by the governor on Friday. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.