SPRINGFIELD- Nearly $583 million in funding for local governments is being held hostage due to the failure to negotiate a state budget by the legislative leaders and governor. As a result, many local governments are being forced to consider significant cuts or find new ways to generate tax dollars, such as a property tax increase. These funds, already collected by the Motor Fuel Tax, have no impact on the total state budget.

To keep communities from being forced to take these drastic measures, a House panel today voted to release the funding. Former Des Plaines alderman and newly appointed State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), supports the proposal.

“Our communities should not be forced to raise property taxes or layoff police and firefighters because the leaders in Springfield cannot work together to solve the budget crisis they have created. As a former Des Plaines alderman, I know firsthand how important these funds are to our communities,” said Murphy.

The legislation, House Bill 4305, also releases funding from special state funds to pay prizes for lottery winners and 9-1-1 operators. Similar to the Motor Fuel Tax, the funding has been collected through separate fees and taxes that do not impact the overall state budget.

The proposal will now head to the full House for a vote.

SPRINGFIELD- Two days after being sworn into office, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) held her first Senior Fair at the Alexian Village in Elk Grove Village today. Dozens of area seniors attended to receive free blood pressure tests from AMITA, flu shots and prescription advice from Walgreens and several other services.

“Ensuring that our seniors have access to vital health care resources and social services is extraordinarily important as they strive to live their lives with dignity. I look forward to holding more events like this around the district to provide these essential services,” said Murphy.

The participating vendors and agencies included Walgreens, AMITA Health, the Attorney General’s office, Secretary of State’s office, State Treasurer’s office, AARP and others. The Senior Fair is the first of several events Murphy already has begun working on in her first few days in office.

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) was sworn into office on Monday evening at the Des Plaines Public Library.
 
Murphy replaces Dan Kotowski, who last month resigned to take over as CEO of the nonprofit organization, ChildServ, as state senator for Illinois’ 28th Legislative District.
 
“I would like to thank State Senator Dan Kotowski for his nearly ten years of dedicated service to the taxpayers of this district and state. I am very appreciative of his support and confidence in my ability to do the job,” said Murphy.
 
Prior to her appointment as state senator, Murphy spent over 20 years in healthcare and social services management, and the last four years educating youth in alcohol and tobacco prevention at the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
 
“I was raised in a middle class household that valued work, education and a belief that this country was built by working families,” said Murphy. “I want the people of the 28th district to know that I will begin each day with a commitment to help end business as usual in Springfield and to stop the waste and corruption that stand in the way of real solutions to the problems that matter most.”
 
Senator Murphy will serve out the remainder of Kotowski’s term, which ends in 2016.

SPRINGFIELD – To fill the vacancy created in the 28th district when State Senator Dan Kotowski recently stepped down, local resident Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will be sworn in this evening.

Murphy, a former Des Plaines alderman, will be stepping down to serve as a full-time state legislator.

WHO: Newly appointed State Senator Laura Murphy.

WHAT: Swearing in ceremony for Laura Murphy to officially replace State Senator Dan Kotowski.

WHERE: Des Plaines Library (1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines), Room A.

WHEN: Monday October 5, at 5:30 p.m.