SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Senate voted Wednesday in support of expanding insurance coverage for contraceptives for women. State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) was a co-sponsor of the legislation.

“98% of American women will use birth control at some point during their lifetime for a variety of different health-related reasons,” Murphy said. “We owe it to these women to give them reliable, affordable access to a prescription they rely on.”

Under current law, not all forms of contraceptives are covered by insurance.  The proposal backed by Murphy would require insurance companies in Illinois to provide coverage for nearly all FDA-approved contraceptives, drugs, devices and products. It also would require insurance companies to provide up to 12 months of contraceptives at one time.

“This legislation brings much-needed stability to one of the most basic aspects of a woman’s life – her health. I encourage the governor to quickly sign this proposal to have an immediate positive impact on women’s lives across Illinois.”

House Bill 5576 passed the Senate with a vote of 35- 22 and will now head to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) today voted to oppose legislation that would allow for massive gaming expansion, but does not hold internet gaming organizations to the same regulations as other gaming in Illinois.

“If gaming is expanded in Illinois it needs to be a comprehensive plan with everyone held to the same standards. No special deals should be given to online gaming – it is still gambling,” Murphy said.

Murphy also cited concerns that the funds allocated to the city of Des Plaines from Three Rivers Casino would be adversely affected by the gaming expansion. Des Plaines is already at a disadvantage because Rivers Casino is the only casino in the state with a revenue sharing agreement, which requires funds that would normally be given to the local community to be shared with other municipalities around the state.

“If we are going to authorize this kind of gaming expansion, we need to renegotiate the Rivers Casino deal so it is in line with the other casino revenue sharing deals granted by the state,” Murphy said.

The legislation is still pending in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the statement below following the Illinois Senate unanimously passing Senate Bill 2038 56-0, which will fund services for those with autism, epilepsy and other developmental disabilities.

“This is another step toward a bipartisan budget solution. It is not perfect, but it does provide much-needed relief to the children and families who rely on social services to care for their loved ones. I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to find solutions for the problems facing Illinois families.”

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) opposed a proposal in the Illinois Senate yesterday that would reallocate funding from suburban schools to other school districts.

“Everyone realizes the education funding formula is broken, but this proposal cuts suburban school districts huge amounts and I could not support it,” Murphy said.

Murphy supports property tax relief as part of any final proposal.

 “We must focus on a reform package that includes property tax relief for homeowners, while requiring businesses pay their fair share so we can invest in schools, roads and other services for Illinois.”