SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the statement below following Gov. Rauner’s veto of Senate Bill 2046, which would have provided funding for universities, community colleges and MAP grants.

“The governor is sending a confusing message to Illinois businesses and taxpayers. While he says that improving Illinois’ business climate is his top priority, eliminating funding for higher education does exactly the opposite.

“Over 60 percent of jobs in the current work force require a college-level education. Cutting these funds for colleges and preventing students from being able to further their education after high school will have a long-term impact not only on their future, but on the future of our economy.  

“The governor and legislative leaders need to drop the partisan rhetoric, get to Springfield and negotiate a budget that protects working-class families before the destruction done to Illinois is irreversible.”

Earlier today, I mailed a letter to Auditor General Frank Mautino asking him to step down while his federal investigation is pending. Below is a copy of the letter that was sent to his office. Click on the letter to read more.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate voted Wednesday in support of expanding insurance coverage for contraceptives for women. State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) was a co-sponsor of the legislation.

“98% of American women will use birth control at some point during their lifetime for a variety of different health-related reasons,” Murphy said. “We owe it to these women to give them reliable, affordable access to a prescription they rely on.”

Under current law, not all forms of contraceptives are covered by insurance.  The proposal backed by Murphy would require insurance companies in Illinois to provide coverage for nearly all FDA-approved contraceptives, drugs, devices and products. It also would require insurance companies to provide up to 12 months of contraceptives at one time.

“This legislation brings much-needed stability to one of the most basic aspects of a woman’s life – her health. I encourage the governor to quickly sign this proposal to have an immediate positive impact on women’s lives across Illinois.”

House Bill 5576 passed the Senate with a vote of 35- 22 and will now head to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) today voted to oppose legislation that would allow for massive gaming expansion, but does not hold internet gaming organizations to the same regulations as other gaming in Illinois.

“If gaming is expanded in Illinois it needs to be a comprehensive plan with everyone held to the same standards. No special deals should be given to online gaming – it is still gambling,” Murphy said.

Murphy also cited concerns that the funds allocated to the city of Des Plaines from Three Rivers Casino would be adversely affected by the gaming expansion. Des Plaines is already at a disadvantage because Rivers Casino is the only casino in the state with a revenue sharing agreement, which requires funds that would normally be given to the local community to be shared with other municipalities around the state.

“If we are going to authorize this kind of gaming expansion, we need to renegotiate the Rivers Casino deal so it is in line with the other casino revenue sharing deals granted by the state,” Murphy said.

The legislation is still pending in the Senate.