Laura M. Murphy: 2022 candidate for Illinois Senate District 28

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Illinois Senate District 28

City: Des Plaines

Age: 62

Occupation: Illinois Senate 28th District

Previous offices held: Illinois Senate 28th District since 2015; Alderman- 3rd Ward Des Plaines; Democratic Committeeperson; Maine Township

Q&A

Q: What needs to be done structurally to make the legislature more effective? What is your position on term limits in general and for legislative leaders specifically?

A: I think the biggest problem is the erosion of public trust in government when elected officials abuse their power. The ultimate damage resulting in public apathy, and I can't think of anything worse in a democracy.

Meaningful ethics reform that builds back public trust is essential, that's why I fought for statutory term limits on legislative leaders. These leaders are not publicly elected and should only serve 3 consecutive terms. I am proud to have worked to pass a comprehensive ethics package that implements reforms that address lobbying, political fundraising, and salaries. I wanted to make sure that those in office and government are motivated to serve, not make a profit.

No one should financially benefit from their votes in public office. Additionally, I filed a bill, (SB 4222) which explicitly prohibits elected officials from lobbying. I also support enacting meaningful campaign finance reform that would require transparency in all political contributions and actions.

Q: Federal assistance has enabled the state to make important advances toward improving its budget. What will you do to ensure these advances continue when the federal aid is gone?

A: Building upon the responsible spending decisions and balanced budgets of the last few years, the state was able to pay off our bills, saw our credit rating improve and found itself with a sizable surplus. This surplus was derived from corporate tax revenue not federal dollars. This allowed us to pass a budget and a tax relief package that pays it forward by fighting inflation and putting money back in taxpayers' pockets.

In total, working families will see $1.83 billion in relief. Further building upon that success and the success of the FY 22 budget we were able to continue to set our state on a path toward fiscal responsibility by making an additional $500 million pension payment, putting $1 billion in the state's Rainy Day fund, and bringing more support for local governments with record funding for LGDF - an additional $25 million. These advances will continued with disciplined and restrained spending.

Q: To what extent are you happy or unhappy with the evidence-based model for education funding now in place in Illinois? How would you define "adequate" state funding for Illinois schools and what will you do to promote that?

A: The evidence-based funding, (EBF), model has been in place for five years, unfortunately 2½ of those years were consumed by a global pandemic. EBF takes the necessary first steps toward ensuring all schools have the resources they need to provide a safe, rigorous, and well-rounded learning environment for all students. EBF demonstrates new mindsets for understanding the relationship between equity, adequacy, and student outcomes.

The formula contains 21 criteria in which education is objectively evaluated as adequate and the formula determines the levels of which they should be funded. I will continue to advocate for the Sate to pay its portion to ensure adequate funding. The goal is for the State to pay its portion of the actual cost of adequate funding and relieve the burden on property taxes. We still have a system that heavy relies on funding from property taxes; this needs to change.

Q: Do you believe elections in Illinois are free and fair? What changes, if any, are needed regarding election security and voter access?

A: Misinformation and disinformation undermine public confidence in the electoral process and our democracy. The facts are that elections are administered by state and local officials who implement numerous safeguards to protect the security of your vote, in compliance with various state and federal laws and processes.

These laws ensure the integrity of the election process. In Illinois we have tired to make the process open to all eligible voters. Safeguards are in place to verify registration status; to ensure a ballot is properly cast and then counted; without restricting access to the fundamental constitution responsibility to vote.

I have introduced the Faithful Presidential Electors, (SB 639) which ensures members of the electoral college cast their ballots as designed by the popular vote this serves as an additional safety measure to protect the election process.

Q: How well has Illinois responded to Supreme Court indications that it considers abortion, gay marriage and other social issues to be state, not federal, responsibilities? What if anything needs to be done in these areas and what would you do to make your vision come to pass?

A: I do not agree with the Supreme Court's decision to leave these fundamental rights up to individual states. These are fundamental human rights that need to be protected at the federal level. Every human should feel free to move from state to state and not be in violation of a state imposed law. I strongly believe every woman has the right to make her own health care decisions.

Doctors do not need the government telling them how to practice medicine. I will continue to fight to protect residents of Illinois and ensure they have a dignity and quality of life that is equal and unrestricted. This includes protecting doctors from prosecution from neighboring states.