SPRINGFIELD – A loophole that left schools in the dark regarding educator misconduct investigations will be closed thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Investigations into educator misconduct are vital to ensure children are protected in school, which is why closing this loophole is not only important – it’s necessary,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When school districts are informed about misconduct investigations, they are able to safeguard students.”

Prior to Murphy’s law, the Illinois State Board of Education was prohibited from providing information on pending misconduct charges or ongoing investigations to an educator’s current employing school district. This left school districts in the dark about whether they unknowingly hired a teacher engaged in misconduct, potentially putting their students at risk.

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy is teaming up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s office to host a college funding savings seminar on Sept. 10.

“Saving for your child’s college can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By attending this seminar, you will learn the best ways to put money aside for future college expenses.”

The seminar will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 6-7 p.m. at the Schaumburg Township Library’s Adult Classroom, located at 130 S. Roselle Rd. It will be presented by the Illinois State Treasurer’s office and is free and open to the public.

Parents will have the opportunity to learn about important college costs to consider, including housing, meals, books and supplies. The presenters will highlight the Bright Start 529 savings plan and how it can be used to cover qualified education costs.

For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or online.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy spearheaded a new law to protect consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car dealers deceiving consumers with sales of defective cars.

“This law ensures that we are holding unlicensed car dealers accountable and ensure every car sale meets the standards of safety and honesty,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Ending curbstoning lifts a burden off of Illinois consumers.”

The goal is to make the already illegal practice of “curbstoning” — a scheme where individual sellers draw car shoppers to places like parking lots and side streets to sell used cars without a license — more difficult. The cars are sold for more money than they are worth and typically have significant issues such as water damage, mileage rollbacks, mechanical issues, or salvaged titles — which are only issued if the car has sustained enough damage to be declared a total loss.

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy announced three libraries in the 28th District are set to receive a combined total of over $340,000 for library services and programming.

“Libraries are the beating hearts of our communities, providing vital knowledge and invaluable services that help families thrive,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This additional funding will empower our communities by expanding all our libraries have to offer.”

Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.

Three libraries in the district Murphy represents received over $340,000 in funding, including:

• Des Plaines Public Library, $89,496
• Park Ridge Public Library, $58,493
• Schaumburg Township District Library, $192,259

More information on available library grants can be found here.