MAINE TOWNSHIP — Maine Township students today have more opportunities to explore career options in high school – and are more likely to have successful, fulfilling careers later in life – thanks to the work of Superintendent Ken Wallace.

Wallace was honored Monday evening by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) for his extraordinary leadership with Maine Township High School District 207. He was recently recognized as the 2018 state and national champion of the year by the Association for Career and Technical Education for his efforts to improve, promote and develop career and technical education in the district.

“Dr. Wallace has been a great leader within our community, and he has worked tirelessly to encourage students to explore career and postsecondary education opportunities at every level,” Murphy said. “I appreciate the work that he, the teachers and staff have done to make our high schools some of the best in the nation.”

Wallace expanded career-oriented classes in District 207, including implementing a class called Geometry and Construction and a certified nursing assistant class. He also increased dual-credit course offerings and supported industry certification through multiple career and technical education classes.

He started an initiative to ensure students are academically prepared for both college and career, with an eye on encouraging students to explore all opportunities that are available to them after graduation, including community college programs, certifications and apprenticeships.

Wallace also helped grow the internship program, which allows students to explore careers and postsecondary education options. The internship program connects students to organizations and businesses within the community and beyond.

Wallace has served as the superintendent of Maine Township High School District 207 since 2009. During his tenure, the three high schools in his district have been recognized by national reports as among the nation’s top high schools.

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SPRINGFIELD – With legislation to ensure women’s right to make their own reproductive decisions in Illinois now on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“I hope that the governor will do the right thing and sign House Bill 40. This legislation ensures that women can make decisions about their health care regardless of their income, employer or if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Gov. Rauner’s signature would send a strong message to women in Illinois that reproductive decisions will remain in their hands.”

State Senator Laura Murphy co-sponsored House Bill 40, which removes Illinois’ “trigger” law that would make abortion illegal in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned. The legislation was sent to the governor’s desk Monday.

Murphy will seek to override Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 321

State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) plans to file paperwork to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 321, which would require the auditor general to audit the Medicaid managed care program that is run through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

“I am very disappointed that Gov. Rauner put a multibillion dollar industry before the needs of taxpayers and Medicaid recipients,” Murphy said. “This legislation would ensure that Medicaid managed care organizations meet its contractual requirements, provide the best service possible to recipients, and that our tax dollars are being wisely spent.”

Performance audits can only be conducted at the request of the General Assembly or the Audit Commission and generally take one year to complete. The auditor general completes financial audits yearly and compliance audits every two years for most agencies.

“The governor’s veto is evidence that he is protecting this multibillion dollar industry,” Murphy said. “It raises the question – what is he hiding?”

Senate Bill 321 passed both chambers unanimously.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes to increase the rate of early detection of breast cancer in Illinois under a new law she sponsored. Senate Bill 314 requires insurance companies to cover an MRI if a patient is diagnosed with dense breast tissue which can be an indicator of cancer.

“Early detection is a key element in the fight against breast cancer,” Murphy said. “By requiring insurance companies to cover MRIs in patients with dense breast tissue, we are arming doctors with another tool to help them detect breast cancer sooner.”

Studies show that dense breast tissue can be up to six times more likely to develop cancer. An MRI can find an additional 8 percent of breast cancers that go undetected by mammograms and ultrasounds. According to a study by the Illinois Department of Public Health, 26 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Illinois each day.

“I am so grateful that Senator Murphy Sponsored ‘Linda's Law’ - Bill 314,” said Linda Joseph, the constituent who encouraged Murphy to sponsor this legislation. “It is all about educating women about their breast health and being their own advocate.”

“During my annual mammogram, I asked for additional screening as I have dense breasts which make it difficult to detect abnormalities in the breast,” Joseph said. “My radiologist didn't request a second screening, my gynecologist didn't request a second screening - I requested a second screening. My mammogram was ‘perfect’ - the second screening was not. Women with dense breasts need to be aware of the need for second screening whether it is ultrasound, ABUS or MRI as it helps with early detection. Do not be afraid to ask for a second screening. This is your life.”

This law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.