State Senator Laura Murphy Honored for 100% Pro-Environment Voting Record

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its annual Environmental Scorecard this week giving State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) a 100 percent rating.

“I stand with the Illinois Environmental Council in taking action on climate change, fighting for clean air and water, and protecting our open spaces in my district and across our state,” said Murphy. “I’m 100% in for the environment, and my voting record reflects that.”

The 2019 Environmental Scorecard includes 22 legislative measures. Specific priorities from this year’s Scorecard include:

• SB9: Coal Ash Pollution Prevention (Support)
  • Already signed by Gov. Pritzker, this bill creates a regulatory framework for closure of toxic coal ash sites, requiring polluters—not communities—to cover the cost of clean-up.
• HB3481: Kyoto Protocol Act Repeal (Support)
  • Recently signed by Gov. Pritzker, this bill repealed Illinois’ antiquated 1998 adoption of the Kyoto Protocol Act that prohibited the state from regulating carbon and taking meaningful action against climate change.
• HB2076: BPA Receipts Ban (Support)
  • Passing both chambers without opposition, this bill prohibits the manufacture and distribution of paper with toxic BPA for banking or business records.
• HB2425: Removing Endangered Species Protection (Oppose)
  • Failing to pass, this bill jeopardized endangered species by eliminating certain requirements for permits and limiting the state’s ability to protect species.

“At every opportunity, Senator Murphy voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of her 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Senator Murphy an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Senator Murphy’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

A total of 50 state legislators received an award for their voting record during the 2019 legislative session. IEC releases its scorecard in August of each year.

Murphy appointed to Property Tax Relief Task Force

• Property tax

DES PLAINES – After the Property Tax Relief Task Force met for the first time this Monday, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) reported that the task force is ready to reform the state’s regressive property tax system.

As part of the Fair Tax legislative package, the bipartisan task force will determine ways legislators can reform the state’s regressive property tax system to reduce taxes on low- and middle- income earners. The task force will produce their final report by Dec. 31, 2019.

“No matter what your political affiliation is, everyone knows that the property taxes in Illinois are a regressive burden on low- and middle-income families,” said Murphy. “I’m thrilled to be part of a bipartisan team that will solve a real problem for working people in our state. Addressing our backward property tax system will keep people in Illinois and more importantly give our working families a path to economic stability.”

Murphy’s new law adds extra protection for domestic violence victims

• SB 399

DES PLAINES – A measure that was signed into law today will add an extra protection for victims of domestic violence, thanks to Des Plaines Democrat State Senator Laura Murphy.

Senate Bill 399 will allow an address to be omitted from documents filed in court if disclosing the address would risk abuse or harm. The victim will also be protected from having to include a domestic violence safe house address or an address that was changed as a result of a protective order.

“It’s already hard enough for victims to take that first step and get out of their situation,” Murphy said. “They shouldn’t have to live in fear of their address being released after being brave enough to get away. I am happy to see this signed into law.”

Murphy introduced her measure in response to an incident where a judge included the address of a domestic violence safe house in a court order between the abuser and the victim regarding custody over their child.

Senate Bill 399 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Murphy’s new law will ensure students have access to their medicine

• SB 1250
• Insulin

DES PLAINES – Students will be allowed to self-administer prescribed medication while at school under legislation sponsored by Des Plaines Democrat State Senator Laura Murphy that became law this week.

Murphy’s measure will require schools to allow students with an action plan to self-administer prescribed medication with permission from their parent or guardian.

“Giving children permission to self-administer their medicine while at school allows them to focus on their school work and offers parents reassurance,” Murphy said. “I am happy my bill was signed into law because no parent wants to worry that their child might not be safe at school simply because they don’t have access to their medication.”

Gwynne Ryan, a teacher at Maine West High School brought this idea for legislation forward after fighting the school her child attends on allowing her child to self-administer

"Helping kids to manage all aspects of their lives and medical needs, in and out of school, is essential for lifelong good health and a sense of individual responsibility.  This is what I want to teach my child and what Senator Murphy has helped make possible for many more parents,” said Ryan. “Senator Murphy’s action on issues that directly impact her constituents shows her dedication to public service."

Senate Bill 1250 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020.