SPRINGFIELD- State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) issued the statement below following a bipartisan vote in the Illinois House to release nearly $3.1 billion in critical funds that have been held up due to the ongoing state budget impasse.

“It is past time to release these funds to local communities to prevent the impending layoffs and property tax increases many were being forced to consider. It is unacceptable and immoral that so-called Illinois leaders have taken this long to approve funding that taxpayers have already paid.

“I am encouraged that finally, after months of waiting, the budget is beginning to take shape. While I look forward to supporting this proposal next week to give Illinois communities the stability they desperately need, this is only the first step. We must continue to work together in a bipartisan fashion to protect funding for MAP grants for college students and other services essential to Illinois families,” Murphy said.

Murphy is a Chief Co-Sponsor of the proposal, SB 2039. It must first pass the Senate next week before it is sent to the governor. The legislation also includes:

•    $1 billion to the Lottery for prizes.
•    $582.5 million to IDOT for local governments share of motor fuel gas tax revenues.
•    $43 million to the Community College Board for career and technical education activities.
•    $45 million to the Dept of Revenue so local governments can receive their share of video gaming proceeds.
•    $3.1 million to the Illinois Math and Science Academy to allow them to access their income funds and pay operating costs.
•    $31 million to IDOT to purchase road salt.
•    $2.5 million for breast cancer services and research.
•    $28 million for nursing home licensing and inspections.
•    $165 million for home heating bill assistance.
•    $77 million for 911-related costs.
•    $3.1 million to the Illinois Department of Public Health for the Tobacco Quitline.

The Illinois Senate is scheduled to convene Monday, Dec. 7 for a planned vote on the authorization.

SPRINGFIELD- It has been nearly six months since the four legislative leaders met with the governor to discuss a budget. That all changed today, however, when the Senate President, Speaker of the House and Republican leaders in both chambers met with the governor to discuss the ongoing budget impasse.

The meeting was spurred in part by legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to require the governor and legislative leaders to meet weekly until a budget is agreed upon.

“The state of Illinois has been without a budget for over five months now. This meeting, while a good starting point, is far overdue. It is time to stop playing politics with Illinois communities and get to work to prevent even further damage,” Murphy said.

“Without a budget, local governments are being forced to choose between raising property taxes and laying off first responders. College students that would normally return to school in the spring will be forced to decide if they can still afford to attend without MAP grant funding. Refusing to work toward a compromise has a real and lasting impact on our families and communities.”

The meeting consisted of both public comments and a private meeting. While the budget was not resolved during the public portion, the legislative leaders did commit to further negotiations following the private meeting.

SPRINGFIELD- To help promote job openings in the area, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), has announced she will continue the “Job of the Day” program created by her predecessor.

“My top priority as a new State Senator is to put people back to work. There are many local, good-paying jobs for people who are looking to find employment, but they are not always easy to find. I look forward to using my office as a resource for those looking to join our work force,” said Murphy.

Under the program, Murphy’s office will post jobs daily in the 28th District on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

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.