SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Sierra Club later this month to host a presentation and Q&A session to help consumers explore alternative energy options and lower their utility bills.

The event is free and open to the public, and will take place on Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Park Ridge Public Library, located at 20 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge.

“Lots of people could be saving money on their utility bills, but just aren’t aware of their options,” said Murphy. “I’m hoping that this event will help families find some financial relief. Even a few dollars a month can make a huge difference.”

At the event, Tim Milburn of the Northwest Cook County Sierra Club will give a short presentation on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a piece of legislation that aims to ramp up renewable energy development in Illinois while saving consumers money and creating jobs.

Experts from CUB will also discuss how to avoid unnecessary utility costs and the benefits of cutting the cable cord. Residents are encouraged to bring their electric and cable bills to compare costs.

“Renewable energy sources are great for the environment, of course, but they can also be easier on your wallet,” said Murphy. “I hope people come away from this event having learned that.”

Murphy encourages those who are interested to register for the event online. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – People interested in a career in construction can receive training and other assistance through HIRE360, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Friday.

“This program is a great opportunity for people to get the help they need to start on the path to a well-paying, lifelong career,” said Murphy. “If you’re looking to enter the union workforce, this is a great way to get your foot in the door.”

Chicago developers, general contractors, local labor unions and the United Way of Metro Chicago partnered to create HIRE360, a program that empowers underrepresented individuals to pursue union careers.

The program offers test preparation, funds to buy needed supplies for apprenticeships, job referrals and more assistance to those interested in union construction careers.

Although HIRE360 currently only offers job services in the construction industry, the program plans to expand to other unionized fields, like manufacturing and hospitality sectors, in the coming months.

“Unemployment in Illinois is at a record low, and businesses are looking for workers,” said Murphy. “Going through a career training program like this would put you ahead of the pack.”

Interested candidates can sign up for construction trades readiness training with HIRE360 here.

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.”