SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) advanced legislation through a key Senate committee to require insurance companies to cover an MRI if a patient is diagnosed with dense breast tissue, a possible indicator of cancer. Currently, insurance companies are only required to cover an ultrasound.  

“I’m proud to fight to expand women’s access to healthcare the day after thousands of women marched on behalf of their healthcare at the Capitol,” Murphy said.

Studies show that dense breast tissue can be up to six times more likely to develop cancer. Because cancer is a non-fatty tissue, it can also be harder to detect within dense breast tissue. An MRI can find up to an additional 8 percent of breast cancers not initially detected by a mammogram or ultrasound.  

“Early detection is crucial to giving women the best chance possible to fight breast cancer,” Murphy said. “This will give doctors an additional tool to help find and combat cancer.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 314, passed the Senate Insurance Committee and will now head to the full Senate for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – President Trump this week signed into law legislation to allow states to withhold family planning funds from women’s healthcare providers, such as Planned Parenthood.

Earlier this year, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) joined with her colleagues in the Senate Public Health Committee to block legislation that would have made it more difficult for women to have access to health care from advancing.  

“These actions taken by President Trump are just another example of an attempt to strip away women’s access to health care,” Murphy said. “I remain committed to stopping President Trump and his extremist proposals that will set women’s health care decisions back decades.”

###

Des Plaines – Earlier today, Mariano’s groceries opened it’s newest location in the city of Des Plaines, creating 375 new union jobs for area residents.

State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) joined with local officials and Mariano’s President Dan Rosanova to announce the opening.

The new jobs announcement is in stark contrast to the ongoing message from Governor Bruce Rauner, who continues to demand anti-worker measures that will lower wages before he will sign a state budget. His demands have led to a nearly two-year budget impasse.

“These 375 new jobs are proof that Illinois is ready and open for business,” Murphy said. “The governor’s anti-worker agenda will do nothing to create a single job in Illinois. He needs to drop his radical agenda and focus on passing a budget to create economic stability in our state.”

The new store is part of a public-private partnership with the Des Plaines Park District and Mariano’s. Mariano’s has pledged $670,000 for park improvements.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) helped raise awareness for senior hunger today by participating in Mayors for Meals at the Schaumburg Barn.

Local mayors, government officials and other community representatives served nearly 50 meals to local seniors in the 28th District.

“At a time when the governor of Illinois and the president of the United States are slashing life-saving programs like Meals on Wheels in our local communities, neighborhood volunteer events like Mayors for Meals are incredibly important,” Murphy said. “As a community, we must continue to be a strong and ardent voice for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Mayors for Meals is a component of the National March for Meals campaign sponsored by the Meals on Wheels Association of America.

The Schaumburg Barn senior nutrition program organizes a March for Meals event every year to help generate public awareness, volunteers and donations to provide healthy food to vulnerable seniors.

The Schaumburg Barn, operated by the Village of Schaumburg, offers food, fun and fellowship to senior citizens and people with disabilities. The Barn is open 10 a.m – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the Barn’s nutrition programs and other senior services visit www.villageofschaumburg.com.