SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and active service members would be able to use social media to connect with their colleges’ support networks under legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“In 2020, most college students use social media to get important information, and that includes veterans and active military personnel,” said Murphy. “It’s one tool in our communications toolkit, and we need to start using it to our advantage.”

Currently, public colleges and universities must designate one employee to coordinate services for veteran and active military students. The employee’s contact information and a brief summary of their services must be available on the campus’ homepage and promotional mailings for student applications.

Murphy’s measure would require the information to be available on the institution’s social media accounts as well.

“Our veterans and service members face unique challenges as they pursue education during and after their service, so we know they need unique support,” said Murphy. “We should make it as quick and easy as possible to access that support.”

Senate Bill 3069 has passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and now goes before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Football season may be over, but the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) are gearing up for a different kind of championship. The IMA has launched “Makers Madness,” a bracket-style tournament to determine which Illinois product receives the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois,” and Murphy encourages Illinoisans to participate by nominating their favorite products before the nomination period closes on Feb. 24.

“Nearly 600,000 Illinoisans work in manufacturing, but lots of people aren’t aware of all the great products that are made right here in the state,” said Murphy. “Makers Madness is a fun way to get people interested in what Illinois has to offer.”

The tournament is designed to highlight the many different products manufactured in Illinois, ranging from pinball machines to macaroni and cheese.

The IMA also hopes the competition will call attention to the range and quality of manufacturing jobs available in the state. The Illinois manufacturing industry generates more than $304 billion in economic output and accounts for 12% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

The product nomination period will close on Feb. 24, and voting to narrow the field will begin on Feb. 26. Weekly matchups of the top 16 products will follow. Makers Madness culminates in an awards ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on April 1, when the winning product will be named the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. All voting will take place on the contest website.

“It’s going to be tough for me to decide which Illinois product I think is the ‘coolest,’” said Murphy. “I’m excited to learn about all the products that are made in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) will join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Sierra Club later this month to host a presentation and Q&A session to help consumers explore alternative energy options and lower their utility bills.

The event is free and open to the public, and will take place on Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Park Ridge Public Library, located at 20 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge.

“Lots of people could be saving money on their utility bills, but just aren’t aware of their options,” said Murphy. “I’m hoping that this event will help families find some financial relief. Even a few dollars a month can make a huge difference.”

At the event, Tim Milburn of the Northwest Cook County Sierra Club will give a short presentation on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, a piece of legislation that aims to ramp up renewable energy development in Illinois while saving consumers money and creating jobs.

Experts from CUB will also discuss how to avoid unnecessary utility costs and the benefits of cutting the cable cord. Residents are encouraged to bring their electric and cable bills to compare costs.

“Renewable energy sources are great for the environment, of course, but they can also be easier on your wallet,” said Murphy. “I hope people come away from this event having learned that.”

Murphy encourages those who are interested to register for the event online. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..