SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Fran Hurley issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:

“As I begin to review the governor’s proposed spending plan, it’s clear to me that we must prioritize investment in our public safety system, our schools and essential services that families depend on.

“I hear from a lot of residents who are concerned about how we’re addressing crime, and of whether or not we have law enforcement’s back. It’s my view that Springfield should always have law enforcement’s back, and I will continue to strongly advocate for increased investment that supports our police with the resources they deserve to safely and effectively do their job.

“In recent years our state has made significant strides to be more responsible with its finances. Our old multi-billion-dollar bill backlog is gone, and credit ratings are improving, but more work remains. Let’s continue to take a balanced approach so that we can have the flexibility needed to support our schools even more and ensure that critical services – like cancer screenings, senior services and small business support – receive the attention deserved.

“Today was the start of a longer process to develop a budget, and I look forward to conversations with stakeholders on both sides of the aisle on a spending plan that prioritizes the needs of working families.”

For more information, please contact RepFranHurley@gmail.com.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Fran Hurley is inviting residents to clear out old paperwork and safely dispose of prescription drugs at a free shred day and prescription takeback scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9-11 a.m. at CrossWinds Church, located at 10835 S. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago.

The event will be co-hosted with Ald. Matt O’Shea, state Sen. Bill Cunningham and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s office.

“This is a good opportunity to get a jump start on spring cleaning,” Hurley said. “Particularly when it comes to identity theft, you want to make sure you’re properly disposing of documents that have personal identifying information. This event allows you to shred large quantities of old receipts, bill statements and other documents safely and quickly.”

Designed as a drive-up service, residents will be able to drop off items and watch their documents be shredded on site if they choose. Participants should have their paper documents in loose bundles with staples, paper and binder clips removed. Prescription medications should be in loose plastic bags or in fluorescent bottles.

For more information, please contact RepFranHurley@gmail.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fran Hurley will continue to serve as chair of the House Police and Fire Committee in the 103rd General Assembly, carrying on her mission of advocating for and supporting first responders.

“Now more than ever, it’s important that Springfield prioritizes our police officers, firefighters and EMTs who do so much for our communities each and every day,” Hurley said. “My district is home to a significant population of first responder families, and most of us in some ways have been touched by their work. I’m looking forward to serving as a voice for these individuals at the capitol.”

Hurley was selected to lead the Police and Fire Committee as a reflection of her strong track record backing first responders. Last year, she passed a plan to develop a First Responders Suicide Task Force (House Bill 3911) and worked to create a Move Over Early Warning Task Force to develop ideas to prevent crashes with roadside emergency vehicles (House Bill 3656).

She also led efforts to provide additional financial support for the widows and orphans of fallen Chicago firefighters and police by raising the survivor’s minimum annuity (Senate Bill 4053), while also creating an income tax checkoff for donations to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund to support families of fallen first responders (House Bill 4161).

Hurley also backed a number of other pro-first responder efforts, including plans designed to help police recruitment, increase access to off-hours child care and further invest in behavioral health services.

“Supporting our first responders should never be a political issue, it’s simply the right thing to do,” Hurley said. “Our first responders have our back every day out in the community, and I want to make sure Springfield has their back as well.”

For more information, please contact RepFranHurley@gmail.com.

CHICAGO – Reflecting her strong track record of working with members on both sides of the aisle to get things done, state Rep. Fran Hurley has been re-appointed as whip of the House Democrats’ “Mod Caucus.”

“The Mod Caucus is a diverse group of members from around the state who understand it’s unhelpful to play partisan games or push policy beyond what most residents would be comfortable with,” Hurley said. “Our focus should be on finding common ground and delivering real results on the issues working families care about.”

In an era of extreme partisanship, Hurley has encouraged a more moderate approach to public safety, taxes and other issues. The Moderate Caucus, better known as the “Mod Caucus,” was developed to unify like-minded representatives to advocate for a balanced approach toward building a stronger economy, improving education, increasing access to health care, and strengthening support for first responders and union workers.

“This is a caucus made up of individuals who will listen to everyone and work to produce actual results,” Hurley said. “There will be a number of challenges we face in the coming year that will require a responsible, balanced approach. It’s important that moderates stand together as a strong voice.”

The Mod Caucus currently has 20 members, with more expected to join from this year’s incoming class of newly-elected representatives. An updated roster can be viewed at https://ilhousedems.com/legislators/ under the Moderate Caucus tab.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fran Hurley issued the following statement Wednesday after being sworn in for a new term:

“As we start a new General Assembly, it’s important that we listen to and deliver on the priorities of first responders, working families and older adults.

“Families are rightfully concerned about how we are going to curb violence, and I believe it starts by engaging our local law enforcement. Our first responders put their lives on the line each and every day in service to our community – the least we can do is have their back in Springfield. Public safety efforts need to be informed by their input, and we must make sure that departments have the resources they need to equip officers as best as possible.

“Working families have faced a number of challenges in recent years, and they expect Springfield to work together on bipartisan ideas that will make our communities a better place to live. I remain supportive of efforts to lower property taxes, increase state investment in our area schools and upgrade our local roads and infrastructure.

“It’s also important that we focus on ideas that help the lives of older adults. Many are on a fixed income, and rising costs can be problematic. It’s important that we do what we can to lower property taxes, address prescription prices and support our health care system.

“I am thankful for the continued opportunity to serve this community, and am looking forward to a productive session. I encourage residents to share their feedback and concerns on state matters, my office is always available to listen.”

CHICAGO – Jan. 9 marks National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and state Rep. Fran Hurley is encouraging area residents to thank their local police, sheriffs and state police for the work they do for the community.

“We should thank our law enforcement and their families for the sacrifices they make each and every day to keep us safe,” Hurley said. “This is incredibly difficult work, and it’s often a thankless job. Now more than ever, we need to come together and support these courageous, brave and often heroic individuals who are always on call to help us in our worst hour.”

This past session, Hurley led efforts to provide additional financial support for the widows and orphans of fallen Chicago firefighters and police by raising the survivor’s minimum annuity. Additionally, she helped to deliver increased funding for law enforcement in the state budget, worked to increase mental health assistance for officers and supported proposals to help recruit and retain new police. She also backed recommendations from law enforcement to expand the use of highway cameras, crack down on carjackings and target smash and grab retail thefts.

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a lot of our local police, and I remain grateful for everything they do,” Hurley said. “In Springfield, I will continue to represent their feedback and support commonsense legislation that better enables them to do their job safely and effectively.”

CHICAGO – Throughout December, state Rep. Fran Hurley is asking residents to consider donating new and unused items for families of pediatric patients at Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Children’s Hospital.

“Our local Ronald McDonald House does great work supporting local families experiencing a difficult period in their lives,” Hurley said. “This donation drive is a way we can come together as a community to show our support and help them in their mission.”

Partnering with state Sen. Bill Cunningham and Ald. Matthew O’Shea, Hurley’s office is collecting items during regular business hours at her offices in Mount Greenwood at 3207 W. 111th St. and Beverly at 10400 S. Western Ave.

“The needs don’t stop after December,” Hurley said. “Please call the Oak Lawn Ronald McDonald House at 708-423-5285 if you are interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about the facility and the great comfort they provide for families.”

A wish list of items for the house and family includes:
– Gift cards to Target, Jewel-Osco and local restaurants,
– Garbage bags (4-gallon, 13-gallon, 33-gallon),
– Caffeinated coffee grounds,
– Laundry detergent,
– Individual-sized packaged snacks,
– Bottled water,
– Microwaveable meals (Mac and cheese, Chef Boyardee, Hormel, etc.),
– Snack bags (gallon Ziplock bags filled with sweet and salty snacks for families on the go), and
– Juice.

A wish list of items to assist the office include:
– Ink cartridges (Toner is their biggest office expense, and donations can help reduce costs significantly. Their printer uses the following ink: HP LaserJet CE 400A, 401A, 402A and 403A), and
– Forever stamps.

For more information, please contact Hurley’s office at 773-445-8128 or email RepFranHurley@gmail.com.

CHICAGO – A measure supported by state Rep. Fran Hurley will reduce vehicle registration costs to $10 for low-income older adults and persons with disabilities starting Jan. 1.  

“Particularly for older adults who are living on a fixed income, we should be doing what we can to lower costs,” Hurley said. “In an era of inflation, this will help some of our older adults save a few bucks.”

Hurley voted for the bipartisan House Bill 5304, which reduces the cost of a vehicle registration from $24 to $10 for eligible older adults and persons with disabilities. Eligibility depends on income, with households containing one person limited to an income threshold of $33,562; households with two residents at $44,533; and households with three or more people at $55,500. Older adults must be age 65 or above.

Before going to the Secretary of State, older adults who may be eligible should apply through the Benefit Access Program administered by the Illinois Department on Aging. Residents may call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/benefitsaccess.html.

CHICAGO – A bipartisan plan backed by state Rep. Fran Hurley that will pay off the state’s remaining unemployment insurance loan debt, protect worker benefits, save employers money and improve the state’s long-term financial outlook took a step forward Thursday with the signing of Senate Bill 1698.

“This plan provides long-term security for working families across our state, and is representative of what we can accomplish when we put differences aside to come together on an agreement,” Hurley said. “Businesses are going to save millions as a result of this proposal, which is the result of weeks of negotiations between labor, business and lawmakers.”

Hurley supported Senate Bill 1698, which pushes back statutory hurdles related to unemployment insurance that were expected to raise taxes on employers and cut benefits for claimants. It also carries out the functions necessary to ensure the long-term health of the Unemployment Trust Fund by increasing the Target Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance, increasing the Taxable Wage Base and setting out the terms for an interest free $450 million loan to be made to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to be paid back starting in 2024. Money paid back from the loan will be routed to the state’s rainy-day fund.

As part of the bipartisan plan, remaining unemployment insurance loan debt and the $450 million loan are expected to be appropriated in January through separate action.

“This negotiated plan reflects the significant steps we have taken as a state to improve our finances and prepare for future challenges,” Hurley said. “I am appreciative of the work that stakeholders put into this effort, and look forward to continuing to support measures that prioritize our community’s working families.”