Murphy fights for more inclusive athletic uniforms at Illinois schools

• Education
• Schools
• students

SPRINGFIELD – More students could represent their schools feeling comfortable, confident and included under a proposed measure from State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) that would allow student athletes to modify their athletic uniforms to adhere to cultural, faith-based or physical comfort requirements.

“Athletic uniforms are about establishing a sense of unity among team members, but in certain situations, they can unintentionally exclude groups of students,” Murphy said. “By allowing athletes more flexibility in the design of their uniforms, we can give every student the opportunity to represent their school with pride.”

Murphy’s proposed legislation would enable student athletes at public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and community colleges in Illinois to modify their athletic or team uniform for the purpose of adhering to the clothing requirements of their religion.

From youth sports to the Olympics, athletes of faith have often had to request special permission to wear modified uniforms, such as longer hems, headscarves and jerseys with sleeves. Safety is often cited as the concern against modest uniforms, but thanks to recent advancements in performance apparel, more breathable, low-profile sportswear options now allow athletes of all backgrounds to compete safely and confidently.

“Inclusivity is a critical component of a healthy school environment for all our students,” Murphy said. “Any student athlete, regardless of their cultural or religious background, deserves to feel like part of the team.”

Senate Bill 1784, an initiative of the IL Muslim Civic Coalition, passed the Education Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate.

Murphy announces nearly $6 million in infrastructure grants for the Northwest Suburbs

• Schaumburg
• Public safety
• Des Plaines
• In the district
• Rebuild Illinois
• Capital
• Local government
• Grants

DES PLAINES – Cook and DuPage County communities will receive over $113 million in Rebuild Illinois funding to address local transportation needs, with more than $5.7 million allocated to townships and municipalities in the district State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) represents.

“Safe and modern infrastructure is critical to our community’s success,” Murphy said. “The Rebuild Illinois program will have a monumental impact on roads, sidewalks and bridges in our neighborhoods, making travel safer and easier for residents and visitors to the Northwest Suburbs.”

Communities across the 28th District have received funding in this round of Rebuild Illinois grants, including nearly $650,000 for the City of Des Plaines and over $815,000 for the Village of Schaumburg, to build and improve local infrastructure, expand all modes of transportation in the state, and foster economic development in the region.

Funds from the Rebuild Illinois program can be used for a wide range of projects, including road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other maintenance needs. All projects will be selected and managed locally with financial oversight by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Through the Rebuild Illinois program, a total of $1.5 billion will be invested in municipal, township and county projects across the state. The funds will be distributed in six installments over three years.

“Following the economic hardship of the last year, these funds will give our community a much-needed boost,” Murphy said. “With reliable infrastructure under our feet, businesses and residents alike will be able to build a stronger future for themselves and the community.”

A full list of Rebuild Illinois grantees is available here.

Murphy moves to cut red tape for medical personnel

• Hospitals
• Physician Assistants

SPRINGFIELD – For nearly a year, physician assistants (PAs) have stepped up to provide hands-on care for COVID-19 patients, which is why State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is renewing a push to remove the unnecessary and outdated practice barriers they face in providing care services.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many PAs reached outside their normal duties to care for an unprecedented influx of patients and make up for staff shortages,” Murphy said. “Some states waived obstructive practice requirements to enable PAs to step up and help, with great success. We need to make those changes here in Illinois, permanently.”

Murphy’s proposed legislation would simplify partnerships between physicians and PAs by removing burdensome red tape, like written agreements and practice notifications. These bureaucratic barriers restrict health care access for patients, according to a 2018 study by the Brookings Institution, and eliminating them could significantly improve productivity in the health care industry.

The measure would also give PAs representation by establishing a PA regulatory board. Physicians and PAs would be able to work together to decide what care services the PA can provide to patients, based on his or her education, training and experience.

“When our hospitals were facing dangerous overcrowding, PAs proved themselves to be professional, skilled and highly educated,” said Murphy. “It’s time we let them do their jobs.”

Senate Bill 145 has been assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.

Murphy announces state partnership with Chicago Behavioral Hospital will bring more vaccines to Northwest Suburbs

• Seniors
• Des Plaines
• In the district
• Hospitals
• Coronavirus

DES PLAINES – The Illinois Department of Public Health will partner with Chicago Behavioral Hospital to administer vaccines to residents in Des Plaines and surrounding communities, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced today.

“Expanding access to the vaccine is especially important in the communities hit hardest by COVID-19, where rates of transmission, hospitalization and death are higher,” Murphy said. “This partnership with Chicago Behavioral Hospital will provide local residents a safe and convenient place to get vaccinated, which I hope will help our community bounce back and prevent further tragedy for the individuals and families who have been impacted by this pandemic.”

The state will provide the Des Plaines site with approximately 300-500 vaccine doses per week, in addition to the allocated doses the state distributes to existing health care partners, like local health departments and pharmacies.

Chicago Behavioral Hospital is one of nine sites in Illinois selected to participate in a pilot program launched by the state to ensure that communities hardest hit by COVID-19 have access to the vaccine.

The state-sponsored site at Chicago Behavioral Hospital will supplement the new Cook County mass vaccination site opening at the former Kmart in Des Plaines to significantly expand access to vaccines in the Northwest Suburbs.

Vaccines will be available to residents by appointment only. For additional information about vaccine availability, including locations and eligibility, visit www.coronavirus.Illinois.gov.