HIGHWOOD — State Senator Julie Morrison celebrates the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announcement of almost $130,000 in grants for land trusts in Lake County to support land protected by the Illinois Nature Preservation Commission.

“Our nature preserves are a point of pride, and to give them the support they need is vital to maintain their high quality stewardship,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “They serve not only as a way to preserve our environment, but as ways for our children to learn about nature.”

Two area Open Lands Associations have been given grants to support their stewardship efforts. Lake Bluff Open Lands Association will receive nearly $60,000 to hire interns and contractual services to control invasive species, remove undesirable trees, and conduct controlled burns which are vital in preservation at Skokie River Prairie Land and Water Reserve. The Lake Forest Open Lands Association will receive just over $70,000 to purchase equipment, supplies, and contractual assistance to improve natural community structure and diversity at Skokie River Nature Preserve and Middlefork Savanna Nature Preserve.

HIGHLAND PARK – Cooper Roberts went to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade with his family, excited to celebrate the day. However, after a gunman opened fire on the parade – shooting 8-year-old Cooper in the chest – he was left paralyzed from the waist down.

To show Cooper the community supports him and is cheering him on throughout his recovery process, Senator Morrison is collecting store bought and handmade cards that she will then deliver to Cooper’s family.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One week ago, State Senator Julie Morrison and hundreds of Highland Park residents ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on a 4^th of July parade, killing seven and wounding dozens of others.

“As days have passed, each of us in the community have felt pain. In a town of about 30,000 people, almost everyone knows someone who has been affected,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “No matter where you go in the city, you’re reminded of the tragic loss of life. Our town is now on the map with Buffalo, Uvalde and so many other towns across this nation that have been stricken by heinous gun violence in recent months.”

In the days since, Morrison has worked around the clock to bring more awareness to the state’s Red Flag Law – which she championed in 2018 – and discuss potential legislative action – both federally and at the state level – which she believes will put an end to the gun violence epidemic taking place across the nation. On Monday, Morrison was invited to the White House for a ceremony regarding the signing of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

“In today’s America, just as the nation begins to heal from one attack, another ensues. How much longer can we sit back silently and only offer thoughts and prayers without real, tangible solutions,” Morrison said. “We must work together – both at the national and state level – on a solution to end these vicious attacks.”

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the nation’s top court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping millions of women across the nation from their right to choose.

“Today’s decision by the nation’s top court is devastating – a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body should be a basic health care standard. By stripping women of that right, women are being told their rights don’t matter – despite it being 2022.

CHICAGO – Survivors of rape often don’t seek medical care out of fear a parent or abuser could find out. State Senator Julie Morrison championed a newly signed law to provide survivors with greater safety and peace of mind.

“The trauma associated with sexual assault is already profound – the last thing survivors need is the added stress of a lack of privacy and confidentiality,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law will allow people to feel more secure in seeking a rape exam.”

Morrison’s law allows sexual assault survivors to access to related health care services free-of-charge for 180 days after their initial medical forensic exam – allowing them to forgo billing their private insurance. Many survivors fear receiving medical help following a sexual assault because they’re worried their insurance policy holder – a parent or spouse, for example – will find out.

CHICAGO – To give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a newly signed law to require insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors.

“This is a development in science that should be available to help people better regulate their diabetes,” Morrison said. “Glucose monitoring systems should be covered the same as other medical equipment.” 

Under Morrison’s law, insurance plans will be required to include coverage for continuous glucose monitors, which are regularly used to help people manages their diabetes through a wearable device rather than pricking their finger. Any person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes that requires insulin will be provided coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – To put the state on a path toward increased sustainability, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday to cut back on single-use plastic being sent to landfills.

“It’s simple: Eliminating plastic use at our parks is a small step we can take to make a big difference,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s law will require state agencies to only contract with vendors that do not use single-use plastics for food services at state parks and natural areas starting in January 2024. Rather, compostable or recyclable foodware will need to be utilized – except plastic straws upon request only.

SPRINGFIELD – Drivers with autism or other disabilities that impede effective communication will have better experiences during routine traffic stops, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“A routine traffic stop sparks anxiety for anyone – now imagine you are a driver who has autism or another medical condition that makes processing social cues and responding to commands difficult,” Morrison said. “That can quickly lead to a stressful situation for both the driver and the police officer.”

Morrison’s law signed Friday will create the opportunity for drivers to disclose a medical condition or disability that could impede effective communication with a police officer.

“An important part of inclusive communities is overcoming barriers to communication, especially during potentially stressful interactions,” said Josh Evans, president/CEO of IARF, which represents disability service providers throughout Illinois. “This law is an important step toward inclusion for persons with disabilities and it is a reasonable accommodation to improve interactions with law enforcement to prevent the potential for an unnecessary or unintentional escalation.”