Sims celebrates monumental end of money bond in Illinois

CHICAGO – In celebration of the elimination of cash bail in Illinois, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Today we finally take the long-overdue step toward dismantling systemic racism and eliminating the practices which have created barriers to opportunities and obstacles to prosperity for far too long. Illinois continues to show the rest of the nation that monumental change is possible to make the criminal legal system fair, equitable and just for all.

“Finally, being poor is not a crime and will never be the sole reason a person remains incarcerated as they await their trial.

“We can take pride in the fact that Illinois has reformed its criminal legal system while focusing on community safety, combatting disparities, and removing wealth from decisions that should be about public safety. As much as we have achieved, more work is still ahead. Our work continues.”

Senator Morrison instrumental in economic development, job creation brought forth by new Glenview manufacturing facility

GLENVIEW – Thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s steadfast advocacy to prioritize job creation and economic development, UPSIDE Foods – a nationwide business – is coming to Glenview.

“I enthusiastically welcome this new facility, which is a significant investment to our community. It underscores our commitment to technology, innovation and business development,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “UPSIDE Foods’ decision to open a facility in Glenview highlights the area’s strategic location for its pro-innovation business environment and skilled workforce.”

The 175,000 square foot facility, based in Glenview, will start by producing ground cultivated chicken products, with plans to expand to other species and whole-textured formats in the future. Upon its opening, 75 jobs will be created across warehousing, logistics, bioprocessing, food production, and other commercial functions.

Morrison was instrumental in bringing UPSIDE Foods to Glenview alongside Governor JB Pritzker. The company said it was drawn by the region's esteemed legacy in meat production, a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, and strategic geographical advantages.

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Villa observes September as Suicide Prevention Month

WEST CHICAGO – As September begins, so does the 15^th annual Suicide Prevention Month, and State Senator Karina Villa is highlighting the importance of suicide awareness and prevention for Illinois residents. 

“My heart goes out to every person who has lost a loved one to suicide,” said Villa (D-West Chicago), chair of the Senate Public Health Committee. “We need to be vigilant in our support for people who experience mental health challenges. By working together, we can create a safer, more compassionate state where every individual’s mental wellbeing is valued and protected.”

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just under 50,000 people died by suicide in 2022. The CDC also reported that men accounted for over 39,000 of these recorded deaths—which is a 2.3% increase from 2021.

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Morrison commends third-party look to improve DCFS procedures

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her commitment to advancing the safety of children and families across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison supported a new online data dashboard being implemented by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to foster enhanced transparency and accountability from the agency.

“An independent, third-party look into the organization and structure of DCFS is long overdue," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We owe it to the children served in this long-troubled agency to take a serious look at how the agency can improve.”

The new Illinois Child Welfare Insights Tool ensures advocates and families are given access to near real-time information on the number of reports of abuse and neglect filed and responded to by the agency, percentages of youth under the care of agency medical teams and development programs, and reports covering the frequency of caseworkers meeting with families served by the department.

DCFS is also collaborating with the University of Kentucky and leaders at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to conduct a focused study of the department’s Child Protection Services. The study is intended to improve the department’s framework by conducting a thorough systems review of child protection operations and developing a report that provides critical findings and recommendations for advancement.

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