SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat, released the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address:

“The governor failed to deliver a balanced budget his first three years in office, the detrimental effects of which Illinoisans still feel today. Now he plans to push the burden of balancing his budget onto middle- and low-income taxpayers. His budget proposal shifts existing pension costs onto local school districts, which will significantly increase property taxes for homeowners. I do not believe that increasing property taxes to solve the budget crisis is the answer. We need a realistic plan that doesn’t balance the budget on the backs of the middle class.”

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Last week, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) congratulated Superintendent David Schuler of Township High School District 214 for being named the 2018 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.  

The judges of the award consider four categories when selecting a winner: leadership for learning, professionalism, communication and community involvement.

Schuler has exemplified leadership by implementing a Career Pathways program and “Redefining Ready!” campaign within the district. These programs help students explore careers, internship opportunities, and gain college credit and industry certifications while pursuing their education. He also established an Educator Prep program to connect students who are interested in becoming teachers with resources.

District 214 is the second-largest high school district in the state. It educates more than 12,000 students through six high schools and four specialized learning programs. During his tenure, the six high schools within District 214 have been nationally ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post.

“I firmly believe that education is the catalyst of opportunity for not only students, but also for their community,” Murphy said.

“Under Superintendent Schuler’s guidance, our students are better prepared for life after high school, whether that’s college, a trade or other post-secondary options. His work as a superintendent has enriched our community in ways that will last for years to come.”

Murphy thanked Schuler for his work to positively affect the lives of our students and lead our institutions of education to such levels of success. She presented him with a Senate certificate of recognition.

DES PLAINES – More senior citizens could save money on their property taxes under legislation filed by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

Murphy’s proposal raises the income limit to $75,000 for senior citizens to claim the assessment freeze homestead exemption on their property taxes. The cap currently is $65,000.

“I think the legislature should do more to help seniors stay in their homes and not be pushed out by rising home values and property taxes,” Murphy said. “That’s why I introduced a plan to raise the income cap for the senior freeze exemption.”

The senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption allows qualifying senior citizens to maintain the equalized assessed value of their home. This prevents increases in home valuations and property taxes.

Senate Bill 2305 has an immediate effective date upon approval by the legislature and governor.

DES PLAINES—Entrepreneurs in Illinois will immediately see lower fees to start and maintain their business thanks to a new law co-sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).  

“I co-sponsored this legislation to make it easier for entrepreneurs in Illinois to start and maintain their businesses,” Murphy said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and I believe we need to pass more legislation like this to support them. I hope that by reducing the LLC fee schedule we can help small businesses grow and thrive in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 867 reduces the following fees:

•    The articles of organization fee will be reduced from $500 to $150;
•    The cost to register a name will be reduced from $300 to $50 and the cost to reserve a name will be reduced from $300 to $25;
•    The series organization fee will be reduced from $750 to $400;
•    The annual report fee will be reduced from $250 to $75;
•    The articles of amendment fee will be reduced from $150 to $50;
•    The fee to renew a name registration will be cut in half from $100 to $50;
•    The cost of articles of dissolution will be reduced from $100 to $5;
•    And the application to reinstate a LLC will drop from $500 to $200.

The new law takes effect immediately.