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.

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) was sworn into office on Monday evening at the Des Plaines Public Library.
 
Murphy replaces Dan Kotowski, who last month resigned to take over as CEO of the nonprofit organization, ChildServ, as state senator for Illinois’ 28th Legislative District.
 
“I would like to thank State Senator Dan Kotowski for his nearly ten years of dedicated service to the taxpayers of this district and state. I am very appreciative of his support and confidence in my ability to do the job,” said Murphy.
 
Prior to her appointment as state senator, Murphy spent over 20 years in healthcare and social services management, and the last four years educating youth in alcohol and tobacco prevention at the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
 
“I was raised in a middle class household that valued work, education and a belief that this country was built by working families,” said Murphy. “I want the people of the 28th district to know that I will begin each day with a commitment to help end business as usual in Springfield and to stop the waste and corruption that stand in the way of real solutions to the problems that matter most.”
 
Senator Murphy will serve out the remainder of Kotowski’s term, which ends in 2016.