SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement:

“Once again, the governor has proposed a balanced budget for Illinois which continues to provide needed services without raising taxes on middle-class families.

“By prioritizing critical programs that Illinois families rely on, the proposal keeps our state on a path toward growth and opportunity. It is a proposal that puts people first while navigating a complex fiscal landscape. Despite financial challenges, this budget takes a responsible approach to ensuring stability and continued investment in our communities.

“The governor’s proposal to provide baccalaureate degrees for community college will have a major impact on students at Oakton and Harper, hopefully allowing more students access to higher education.

“The proposal does the difficult job of ensuring vital services continue to be funded, regardless of the funding our state has yet to receive from the federal government. We are all going to need to come together to ensure the financial needs of this state are addressed in a fair and equitable way.

“The spirit of collaboration and unity is one we must all embrace, and by working together, I believe we can forge a path through the coming years to ensure Illinois remains a great state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy will continue to serve as assistant majority leader of the Illinois Senate for the 104th General Assembly.

“It is humbling to be given this opportunity to continue to serve as assistant majority leader,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This position allows me to work more closely with my colleagues to address critical issues and advance legislation that brings positive change to our great state.”

As an assistant majority leader in the Senate Democratic Caucus, Murphy has worked alongside her colleagues on policy issues such as health care access, affordable insulin and lowering prescription drug costs.

In addition to her duties as assistant majority leader, Murphy serves as the chair of the Senate Executive Appointments Committee, and sits on six additional Senate Committees: Appropriations, Assignments, Consumer Protection, Executive, Local Government and Transportation.

“I am committed to driving solutions to problems that reflect the values and priorities of working families throughout the 28th District and the state,” Murphy said. “By fostering collaboration across the Senate, we can create policies that address the diverse needs of our constituents and deliver real results for all Illinoisans.”

Murphy will serve in this position throughout the 104th General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. She released the following statement:

“I have proudly served the 28th District for several terms and I continue to be honored and blessed to serve my community in the Illinois Senate.

“It is my mission to continue to address issues that are important in all corners of the district. This includes protecting consumers, finding real solutions to problems faced by working families and ensuring government works for everyone.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect survivors of domestic violence, State Senator Laura Murphy proudly supported a measure that would ensure firearms are able to be removed from the hands of abusers, following the issuing of an order of protection.

“Domestic violence causes a host of problems and when a firearm enters the situation it has the potential to become deadly,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Victims of domestic violence deserve a system that protects their wellbeing and holds abusers accountable.”

House Bill 4144 – also known as Karina's Bill – would strengthen firearm removal requirements when domestic violence protection orders are issued. Law enforcement agencies would be required to remove firearms within 96 hours of a judge’s order from individuals whose FOID cards are revoked due to emergency restraining orders. This new policy would provide clear guidelines for enforcement, ensuring consistent application across the state and addressing the risks associated with firearms in domestic violence situations.