State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of a suite of legislation to address sexual harassment in Illinois politics:

“Requiring sexual harassment awareness training and empowering the Legislative Ethics Commission are great first steps, but they do not go nearly far enough. We should have voted on a comprehensive solution instead of rushing this legislation through.

“The issue of sexual harassment in Illinois politics is serious and requires careful consideration. That’s why I urged the leaders to slow the process down so that we could hold hearings and holistically address the issue. I look forward to working with my colleagues on additional legislation to address this issue.”

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Senate overrides governor’s veto of SB 1351

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement on the Senate’s override of the governor’s veto of legislation barring loan servicers from participating in any unfair or deceptive practices toward borrowers or cosigners:

“This is an important step to protect students and student loan cosigners from the predatory practices of loan service providers. There is undoubtedly more work to be done to address the issue of student loans and student loan debt. I will continue to work with my colleagues to address these issues which are crippling students and families across the state.”

Senate Bill 1351, co-sponsored by Murphy, passed the Senate with a vote of 37-19. It now moves to the House for further consideration.

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Senate overrides governor’s veto of SB 1905

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement on her vote to override the governor’s veto of SB 1905, which would prohibit local governments from introducing “right-to-work” ordinances:

“Today I voted to support working class men and women and their right to collectively bargain. Since taking office, the governor has attempted to roll back employees’ rights and weaken the unions on the backs of which this state was built. All employees benefit from collective bargaining, even those that do not participate in organized labor. I hope this vote sends a strong message to the governor that I will not support his attack on the middle class.”

Murphy is a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1905. The legislation now moves to the House for consideration.

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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