SPRINGFIELD – The Des Plaines, Elk Grove and Roselle Park Districts will receive over $950,000 to renovate and expand local parks, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

The money comes from a grant that is part of the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The program is providing more than $29 million to support 85 park projects across the state.

“Improving and maintaining our parks is one of my top priorities,” said Murphy. “I fought for these projects by writing letters of support to IDNR, and I’m so excited to see ideas turn into reality.”

The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has invested $403.2 million in 1,729 local park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.

“The parks in in the 28th District are beautiful and accessible, and I hope these grants can help keep them that way,” said Murphy.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to news that the University of Illinois is increasing tuition while giving its president a 40% pay raise, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) reaffirmed her commitment to fighting administrative greed and providing an affordable education to all Illinois students.

“I’m outraged that the university is raising the president’s pay and burdening students with the cost,” said Murphy. “Very few of these students will ever see a 40% raise for doing the same job in their lifetimes. It’s shameful that the administration is making it even more difficult for kids to afford an education.”

A pending contract proposal for Tim Killeen, who has overseen the Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield campuses since 2015, would extend his contract as president for four more years and increase his base pay from $600,000 to $835,000.

Last week, trustees unanimously approved a proposal that will raise base tuition for incoming Illinois students at all three U of I campuses. This fall, tuition for Illinois freshman will be $12,254 at Urbana-Champaign, an increase of $218 from last fall, which does not include room, board or other mandatory fees.

Murphy has moved to combat the rising cost of education by introducing Senate Bill 2310, which seeks to limit the amount paid in administrator severance packages.

“It’s wrong to ask students to take on more debt to feed an administrator’s six-figure salary,” said Murphy. “I intend to hold our state’s education system to a much higher standard. Our students deserve better.”

Senate Bill 2310 has been assigned to the Higher Education Committee.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) congratulated new Senate President Don Harmon:

“I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Senator Don Harmon, who has been selected to serve as our new Senate President.

“Former President John J. Cullerton certainly leaves behind big shoes to fill, but having worked alongside Senator Harmon for the past five years, I am confident that he will bring positive change to the Senate and to Illinois.

“In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to working with Senate President Harmon to tackle important issues together, like increasing government transparency and accountability, improving our state’s educational resources and fighting for the middle class.”

SPRINGFIELD – A third person has been hit by a car while crossing Touhy Avenue in Des Plaines, prompting State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and State Representative Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) to push for new pedestrian safety measures on the busy state route.

An unidentified man was hit and injured early this morning as he exited a bus on the south side of Touhy Avenue near Wolf Road, according to Des Plaines police. The man was transported to a local hospital and is now in stable condition.

“This man is lucky to have come away with his life,” said Murphy. “Clearly there is a problem with this location on Touhy Avenue, and it is past time for the government to do something about it. How many more have to be hurt or killed before action is taken?”