HIGHWOOD – To bring more attention to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ new online reporting system and what signs to look for to protect children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is hosting a webinar next week with DCFS and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center.

“The new online reporting system provides an easier and more efficient way to report child abuse and neglect,” Morrison said. “However, not enough people know how user-friendly the system is or when it should be used. My hope is this informational webinar will teach people about the signs of abuse and neglect, and when to make a report.”

Morrison is hosting a free virtual Lunch and Learn webinar to discuss the DCFS hotline and its new reporting platform. A representative from the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center will also be in attendance to discuss what the organization does and how each person can help make a difference in the lives of the state’s at-risk children.

It will take place Friday, April 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom. The event is the second installment of Morrison’s new Lunch and Learn series – a monthly virtual event to teach Illinoisans more about the work state agencies do and show off the great local attractions Illinois has to offer.

“If the pandemic has done one positive thing, it has showed us how easy it is to connect with each other virtually from the comfort of our homes,” Morrison said. “It has been a pleasure connecting with people from across the state through these events, and I can’t wait to continue to meet and inform more people as the year goes on – even after the pandemic subsides.”

The webinar is free, but registration is required. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/3sImYy0.

SPRINGFIELD – Safer, more secure ways to cast ballots will soon permanently be in place across the state, thanks to a measure lead by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“We saw during the November 2020 General Election how many people enjoyed having a more safe, accessible and easier way to vote,” Morrison said. “Just because the pandemic is winding down, doesn’t mean expanded voters’ rights have to. Let’s keep fighting for more inclusive and secure elections.”

The new law allows election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots and to accept mailed ballots even if they have insufficient postage.

HIGHWOOD – Following more than a year of most Illinois schools being remote, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is announcing financial assistance to help districts address COVID-19 challenges.

“Teachers aren’t just educators to students – they are often friends, protectors and role models,” Morrison said. “During the pandemic, teachers stepped even further into these roles – and I can’t thank them enough.”

The funding comes as part of the most recent federal COVID-19 relief packages. Schools, students and parents have overcome challenges that no one could have imagined before the pandemic began, including remote and hybrid learning, digital connection issues, new processes for receiving state and federal aid that normally flow through schools, and more.

SPRINGFIELD – A safer way to turn in vote-by-mail ballots may soon be on its way to counties across the state after a measure by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to implement more secure drop boxes passed the General Assembly Thursday.

“We should make it simpler to vote – even in a non-COVID world,” Morrison said. “Everyone should have a safe and secure way to cast their ballot.”

House Bill 1871 would allow election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots.

One of every three votes cast during the November 2020 General Election was cast via a mail ballot – but many of those were hand-delivered to drop boxes.

SPRINGFIELD – Due to the extremely high cost of EpiPens, many people go without – living life each day hoping they aren’t faced with an allergic reaction that requires the lifesaving medicine. To combat the burdensome price, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is leading a measure to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

“With increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, people are relying on EpiPens more than ever,” Morrison said. “Nobody with a serious allergy should go without an epinephrine injector simply because they cannot afford one.”

In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors – also known by the brand name of EpiPens – for minors. However, she wants to take the law one step further by removing the age limitation. Morrison introduced identical legislation last year, but it was stalled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When injected into people experiencing a severe allergic reaction, epinephrine narrows blood vessels and opens lung airways, reversing the symptoms of a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

“People are dying because they can’t afford EpiPens,” Morrison said. “That’s wrong.”

Senate Bill 1917 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Last month, three Illinois officers were struck by cars within 24 hours after drivers chose to ignore the “Move Over” law. To help combat the rising number of officer injuries and deaths by vehicle, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is leading the charge to enhance Scott’s Law penalties.

“This law is common sense, yet every day dozens of people are breaking it and putting the lives of officers at risk,” Morrison said. “This has to change. Writing a check for a fine doesn’t seem to be enough for some people, so we’re going to do all we can to make sure the purpose of this law is heard loud and clear – and that’s by requiring people to give up their free time to do community service work.”

Scott’s Law – or the “Move Over” law – requires drivers to slow down their cars, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on. During a 19-day span last month, the Illinois State Police issues 1,340 tickets to people not following Scott’s Law.

Under current statute, a person who violates Scott’s Law will be fined between $250 to $10,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second. The amount is determined by a judge.

If Senate Bill 1913 passes and is signed into law, a judge may also issue the violator a term of community service work on top of the fine.

“Far too many officers have been recklessly injured or killed, simply by doing their jobs,” Morrison said. “We must ensure no other family has to endure the pain of a call that says their loved one was hit while protecting their community.”

The Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Fire Chiefs and secretary of state, among others, support the measure. It passed the Senate Criminal Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

HIGHWOOD – Lake County residents will have an easier time receiving their COVID-19 vaccine thanks to enhanced support from the state, and Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) encourages any person eligible to schedule their shot at the Lake County Fairgrounds vaccination site.

“More workers will allow us to eventually create more vaccination sites, which will lead to more accessible doses for all Lake County residents,” Morrison said. “If you’re eligible, it’s time to make a plan to get your shot.”

The Illinois National Guard was called upon by Governor JB Pritzker to bolster current operations at the Lake County Fairgrounds site. Bringing in the National Guard will allow existing staff to relocate to other parts of the county to assure wider distribution of the vaccine to the communities who need it the most.

The COVID-19 vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds opened earlier this year to help vaccinate as many people as possible. Because of the size of the expo hall, dozens of vehicles can be parked inside while the vaccine is administered to them through their windows. 

To receive a vaccine, people must be registered on the Lake County AllVax system and bring their QR code, which will then be scanned before the vaccine is delivered.

“Health care workers and the Illinois National Guard members who have been supporting the state’s vaccine efforts deserve the utmost appreciation,” Morrison said. “Please, if you are eligible, get your vaccine and thank a health care worker.”

Additionally, any person in Illinois who meets the eligibility criteria can schedule an appointment at a state-supported mass vaccination site by visiting vaccine.cookcounty.il.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to curb the price of dental care by expanding Medicaid coverage for people with autism and developmental disabilities sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is on its way to be considered by the full Senate. 

“Healthy teeth can help lead to better overall physical health,” Morrison said. “However, not everyone can endure the stressors of the dentist. We must ensure everyone – including people with autism or other developmental disabilities – can receive the care they need.”

Senate Bill 346 addresses dental care services that are either not covered or under-reimbursed by Medicaid. The measure, which is similar to two bills Morrison filed last year before the pandemic, expands coverage of dental care and anesthesia for people with autism or a developmental disability, making those individuals more comfortable when visiting the dentist.

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, because it is difficult for them to get treatment, people with developmental disorders suffer “a high burden of dental disease.” More than 30% of the patients studied suffered from untreated cavities and 80% from serious gum infections.

Additionally, the measure requires Medicaid to cover dental care, including anesthesia, that is provided in a hospital or surgical treatment center for any individual with a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia.

The measure passed the Senate Health Committee Tuesday.