SPRINGFIELD – More students will be able to represent their schools comfortably and confidently under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to give students more flexibility in the design of their athletic uniforms, which has passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature.

“Some athletic uniforms can be a barrier to students who want to compete for their school. The simple addition of long sleeves, leggings or a head scarf can make all the difference for diversity and inclusion on the team,” Murphy said. “The passage of this legislation shows kids across the state that we stand with them—no matter their background.”

Murphy’s proposed legislation would enable student athletes at public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and community colleges in Illinois to modify their athletic or team uniform to be in accordance with their cultural values, modesty standards or religion.

From youth sports to the Olympics, athletes of faith have often had to request special permission to wear modified uniforms, such as longer hems, headscarves and jerseys with sleeves. Safety is often cited as the concern against modest uniforms, but thanks to recent advancements in performance apparel, more breathable, low-profile sportswear options now allow athletes of all backgrounds to compete safely and confidently.

“Every student deserves the chance to stay active and have fun alongside their friends and teammates,” Murphy said. “I’m proud to see this legislation open the door for more students to pursue a sport that could become a lifelong hobby—or even a profession.”

House Bill 120, an initiative of the IL Muslim Civic Coalition, passed the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) invites local governments and members of the public to submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the proposed Airport Terminal Area Plan and changes to air traffic procedures at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

“Many members of the community stand to be affected by operational changes at O’Hare Airport,” Murphy said. “It’s important that every voice is heard during the planning process.”

The FAA is preparing an Environmental Assessment to analyze actions proposed by the Chicago Department of Aviation, including terminal projects, in-airport hotels, airfield and taxiway improvements, and support facilities.

The Environmental Assessment will determine whether the proposed projects have the potential to significantly affect various environmental resources, such as noise, air quality, water resources and historic facilities.

Government agencies, local officials and community members are encouraged to participate in the scoping process to provide input for the Environmental Assessment. Detailed descriptions of the proposed projects are available here.

The FAA is accepting comments via:

• Web: http://www.faa.gov/airports/great_lakes/TAPandATEA
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Voicemail: (847) 294-7354
• Mail: Ms. Amy Hanson
  Federal Aviation Administration
  2300 E. Devon Ave.
  Room 320
  Des Plaines, IL 60018

Comments must be submitted by July 9, 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Illinois college students can afford the tools they need to learn, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has advanced legislation to create a task force dedicated to making textbooks and other course materials more affordable.

“The school year is over, and many recent high school grads are preparing for college—and the financial stresses that often come with it,” Murphy said. “It’s time to examine ways our schools can lift some of that burden for students and their families.”

The legislation would create the Course Materials Equitable Access and Affordability Study Task Force, which would research ways to save students money on course materials, examine digital learning materials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and publish its findings online.

Using these findings, the task force would identify best practices for colleges and universities with an eye toward improving affordability, ensuring access to required course materials by the first day of class, and securing better outcomes for students—especially minority, low-income and first-generation students.

“No student should have to skip buying a textbook because they can’t afford it,” Murphy said. “This task force will ensure every college kid in Illinois can get the most out of their courses.”

House Bill 332 advanced out of the House in April and passed the Senate Tuesday without opposition.

SPRINGFIELD – Following a federal report indicating bullying and violence remain significant issues at schools across the country, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is taking action to address the problem in Illinois by strengthening incident reporting requirements.

“Students deserve to feel safe at school,” Murphy said. “To root out the cause of violence between students and work against it, we need to know what we’re dealing with—stronger reporting requirements will help us understand the depth of the problem in our schools.”

Murphy’s proposal would require the Illinois State Board of Education to collect data on incidents of violence that occurred on school grounds or during school-related activities that resulted in a student’s out-of-school suspension, expulsion or removal to an alternative setting.

ISBE would be required to post the number of incidents recorded in each district on its public Illinois School Report Card website.

During the 2017-18 school year, an estimated 962,300 violent incidents occurred in U.S. public schools nationwide, according to the most recent School Survey on Crime and Safety administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Seventy-one percent of schools reported having at least one violent incident.

“Transparency is the first step toward finding a solution to violence in our classrooms,” Murphy said. “To keep our students safe, we need all available information at our disposal.”

Senate Bill 633 passed the Senate Wednesday without opposition.