DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) held a virtual webinar to help local residents better understand how their assessed values are determined and to have their property tax questions answered.

“When people are struggling to understand the reason behind their home assessments or property taxes, they should know there are people ready to help,” Murphy said. “Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is one of those people, and I thank him and his staff for providing invaluable information during the webinar.”

The free event, which brought in more than a dozen participants, was broadcast live online, but people who missed it or may have forgotten to jot certain information down can access a recording. Residents can view the video by visiting https://bit.ly/3HsvpoK and using the password 6P&@z*Jn.  

Murphy was joined by Kaegi and his staff to teach residents more about how their assessed values are determined, what goes into determining the assessed value, and how that factors into  their property tax bill. Residents were also able to ask questions, and the group discussed topics that included what the multiplier is and why it’s necessary, as well as why taxes increase even during periods of downturn in the real estate market.

“We want the determination of assessed value and property taxes to be an easy-to-understand and transparent process,” Murphy said. “I am hopeful residents were able to learn something new or get clarification during Tuesday’s event.”

People who still have questions can contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.

DES PLAINES – To help older adults stay connected with their community and spread cheer safely this holiday season, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is collecting holiday cards for residents at local long-term care facilities.

“A handwritten note or card is a great way to help those living at long-term care facilities get into the holiday spirit,” said Murphy. ”Last year, we collected over 1,000 cards that were distributed to seniors in local long-term care facilities, so we are grateful to be back by popular demand.”

Murphy is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also encouraged to participate.

“It only takes a few minutes, but a heartfelt holiday greeting can make all the difference to someone who may be struggling during this challenging time,” said Murphy. “Your kind words could bring a smile to a neighbor’s face.”

Cards can be delivered to Murphy’s office through Friday, Dec. 17:

State Senator Laura Murphy
880 Lee St. Suite 100
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Cards can be dropped through the mail slot. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.

DES PLAINES – As violence against law enforcement officers increases, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) joined police chiefs and other public officials to call for change.

“There is a national trend of increased violence against law enforcement officers,” Murphy said. “The very people who put their lives on the line daily to protect us deserve to be protected.”

Murphy was joined by State Representative Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines), Senator John Conner (D-Lockport) and other representatives and public officials Thursday to outline proposed legislation designed to help protect law enforcement personnel.

House Bill 4159, which Murphy hopes to lead through the Senate, would create the Police Protection Act to increase penalties for assault and harassment offenses against members of law enforcement. Under the measure assaults harassment and “officer targeting” would be a classified as Class 3 felony.

Further, state’s attorneys from each county would be required to submit an annual report that outlines the number of offenses in which a law enforcement officer was a victim, the charges filed and the ultimate disposition of each case. 

The proposed legislative package follows recent statistics reported to the FBI citing that over 60,000 law enforcement officers were injured in the line of duty in 2020 alone.

“We must work to restore respect of law enforcement personnel in our communities in efforts  to keep our communities safe,” Murphy said. “That starts by building mutual trust between our officers and the community.” 

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) knows just how frustrating it can be to receive an assessed value – and, in return, property tax bill – that is much higher than expected. To help residents navigate how those numbers are determined, she is hosting a free virtual assessed value seminar next week.

“Home assessments and property taxes can be both confusing and burdensome,” Murphy said. “People deserve full transparency on how their assessed value is determined.”

Next Tuesday, Nov. 16, Murphy will host an online workshop at 6:30 p.m. to break down the process of property tax assessments. She will be joined by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi's staff to teach residents more about how their assessed value is determined, what goes into determining the assessed value, and how that factors into  their property tax bill. Staff will provide an opportunity to ask questions.

The virtual event is free and open to the public, yet registration is required. To register visit bit.ly/3050HAR.

People with questions ahead of the event can contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.