SPRINGFIELD – Students are now allowed to self-administer prescribed medication while at school under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

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

“No parent should have to wonder whether their child will be able to access their medication when they need it,” Murphy said. “When we give kids the right to self-administer their medicine, we not only give them control over their own health—we also make it easier for them to focus on school work, and we reassure parents that their kids are well cared for at school.”

Gwynne Ryan, a teacher at Maine West High School brought this issue to Murphy. Ryan faced opposition from her child’s school when she requested that her child be allowed to self-administer medication.

"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."

Public Act 101-205 went into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting applications for Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grants, which provides financial assistance to eligible local governments for construction and conservation projects.

Eligible projects include new construction and reconstruction of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. Local governments are also encouraged to apply for assistance with land purchases and conservation projects to protect floodplains, wetlands, geologic features and wildlife habitat. Project costs may range from $25,000 to $2.5 million.

The program reimburses up to 75% of approved project costs, and up to 90% of costs for governments defined as "disadvantaged." The IDNR expects to distribute $25 million in total to grant recipients.

To apply to the PARC program, click here. The application deadline is Jan. 21, 2020.

The PARC program is one of many Illinois grant programs, which offer financial assistance to local governments, small businesses, public libraries and schools. If you are interested in applying for a grant through one of these programs, you can find a complete listing of all state grant opportunities here. The page is updated frequently, and specific listings will be posted on the site when the program application period begins.

SPRINGFIELD – Prompted by a recent report detailing the appalling misuse of “quiet rooms” in Illinois schools, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has announced her support of a House bill that aims to end the use of isolation and seclusion as punishment in Illinois.

In response to the report, Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook), a former special education teacher, has filed House Bill 3975 to ban Illinois schools from using isolation, a measure Murphy strongly supports.

“Putting a child in a quiet room is an extreme, potentially traumatizing course of action, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Murphy said. “It’s time to end the abuse of this practice in Illinois schools.”