SPRINGFIELD – In response to news that former state senator Martin Sandoval pleaded guilty to bribery and tax charges, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“I’m disappointed and disgusted by the few bad actors whose behavior has reflected poorly on our entire state government. It’s about time that justice is served, and I applaud the federal government for ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable.

“Moving forward, our top priority must be to restore the public’s trust in their government. I am committed to advancing reforms that change the culture in Springfield, discourage the wrong people from getting into public service and ensure that elected officials serve their electorate—not their pocketbooks.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State address, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“I stand with Gov. Pritzker in his efforts to reform the backward property tax system in Illinois and reduce taxes on low- and middle-income earners in the state.

“The property taxes in Illinois place an undue burden on our working families—that’s something everyone can agree on, no matter their politics.

“These families are beginning to leave Illinois to escape the excessive cost, and they’re taking jobs and talent with them. It’s imperative that we relieve those economic pressures and define a path toward long-term property tax relief. Consolidating police and firefighter pensions was a good start, but we still have a long way to go toward supporting local governments and reducing the burden on taxpayers.

“As a member of the bipartisan Property Tax Relief Task Force, I look forward to working with the governor and my fellow lawmakers to implement a fairer tax system, keep people in the state, and lend a hand to Illinois workers and their families.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has been appointed to serve as Deputy Majority Leader of the Illinois Senate, Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) announced today.

“I’m honored to take on the role of Deputy Majority Leader,” said Murphy. “It’s a privilege to be entrusted to represent my colleagues in this capacity, and I look forward to working with them to advance legislation that brings positive change to our great state.”

In her new role, Murphy will assist the Majority Leader to work with caucus members on policy issues and help advise them on legislative agendas.

As Deputy Majority Leader, Murphy hopes to unify the legislature to accomplish shared goals, like improving the state’s educational resources, fighting for the middle class and implementing ethics reform to restore the public’s trust in government.

“It’s exciting to be given the opportunity to help the Senate President move the Senate toward a common purpose,” said Murphy. “We are stronger when we stand together.”

SPRINGFIELD – Insurers would no longer be able to change eligibility or coverage during a policy contract period in managed care plans under a new measure introduced by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“If you sign a contract for an insurance plan, you should be able to count on the terms of that plan to stay the same,” said Murphy. “Continuous care means peace of mind.”

The legislation would require insurers to maintain in-network providers, covered benefits and drug formularies for the duration of the contract period for anyone on a state-regulated insurance plan, including managed care plans.

Murphy says that her office regularly receives complaints from constituents about the disjointed way managed care organizations (MCOs) administer coverage. When a MCO changes a patient’s coverage mid-contract, the patient may have to search for a different doctor or find a prescription that their new plan covers, disrupting care and causing patients hardship and uncertainty.

“When the Rauner administration implemented this new managed care plan, they left a lot of gaps for us to fill,” said Murphy. “I want to be clear: This change should apply to all Illinoisans, not just those with plans being impacted by this bill. This is a step toward reforming that system and hopefully one day ensuring better care for all Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2470 currently awaits assignment to a committee.