SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) opposed a proposal in the Illinois Senate yesterday that would reallocate funding from suburban schools to other school districts.

“Everyone realizes the education funding formula is broken, but this proposal cuts suburban school districts huge amounts and I could not support it,” Murphy said.

Murphy supports property tax relief as part of any final proposal.

 “We must focus on a reform package that includes property tax relief for homeowners, while requiring businesses pay their fair share so we can invest in schools, roads and other services for Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) passed a measure through the Illinois Senate last week that will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the state budgeting process.

Sen. Murphy’s proposal, Senate Bill 2585, requires the governor’s budget office to annually produce a report containing a four-year budget forecast that also lays out detailed solutions to solve any predicted budgetary shortfalls. The report also must be posted online so it is available to the general public.

“This is a significant step forward for financial responsibility in the state budget. This proposal will require the state to set a budget plan for the future, instead of going from one financial crisis to the next,” Murphy said.

The legislation was brought to Murphy by the Budgeting for Results Commission, which makes annual recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on how to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in state government, as well as increase financial accountability and transparency.  

Murphy’s proposal passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 51-0-0 and will now head to the Illinois House.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the governor signed the proposal passed by the Senate last week to invest in MAP grants, community colleges and four-year universities.

“This investment in Illinois’ future shows what the governor and legislative leaders can accomplish when they drop the partisan rhetoric and focus on the real issues facing our state. While it is far from perfect, these funds provide temporary relief to students and colleges in Illinois.

“The governor and legislative leaders must now come together to put together a full plan to provide stability for Illinois’ economic future.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the following statement after the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to invest in MAP grants, universities and community colleges, as well as services for those living with developmentally disabled.

“These proposals are an investment in the nearly 1,900 students in my district who depend on MAP grants to continue their education, as well as services for those with developmental disabilities, like autism and epilepsy.

“They are far from perfect, but these are much-needed bipartisan compromises. I commend the legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle for finally coming together to invest in our state’s future."