SPRINGFIELD – Although a record number of people cast their votes by mail in the 2020 General Election, not every registered voter had the privilege to practice their civic duty. Voters with limited manual dexterity or visual impairments – among other disabilities – may not be able to fill out paper ballots by hand, limiting their ability to vote remotely.

To give every person the same opportunity to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is spearheading a measure to provide more accessible remote ballots.

“Voting is a right – regardless of a person’s ability to visit a physical polling location or their ability to write,” Morrison said. “Voters who are disabled should be able to cast their ballots freely, fairly and safely.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a measure that allows Illinois corporations to safely and effectively hold shareholder meetings virtually.

“While a lot of our favorite activities have been halted – much of our daily work and meetings haven’t,” Morrison said. “Corporations must be able to have transparent and safe communications between their boards and shareholders.”

The measure amends the Business Corporation Act to allow boards of directors of corporations to host shareholder meetings through virtual communication. If a corporation chooses to use these means, they must implement measures to allow shareholders to view, participate and vote.

HIGHWOOD – Stories of clinics not receiving their promised number of COVID-19 vaccines, appointment websites crashing, and people spending the night in their cars hoping to be first in line to get their dose aren’t unheard of. The frequency of these stories – and others – led State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to schedule a Senate hearing on the statewide vaccine distribution plan.

“As the demand for the vaccine has grown, so has anticipation for each of us waiting for the vaccine,” Morrison said. “We’ve been fielding calls from frustrated and frightened constituents who are eligible but can’t find their place in line or get the vaccine.”

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Buffalo Grove) is relieved those who are part of the state’s most vulnerable community can start getting vaccinated by the end of the month.

“Many people who have disabilities or pre-existing conditions can be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19,” Morrison said. “We must take care of our most vulnerable people. Those in the developmentally disabled community are presented unique challenges that put their lives in danger each day.”

SPRINGFIELD – As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and her colleagues have fielded hundreds of questions and concerns from people across the state about the rollout, leading her to schedule a hearing to help get to the bottom of the confusing process and call for a more comprehensive and timely plan.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the greatest line of defense we have against the pandemic,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, many people across the state who are eligible for the vaccine haven’t been able to get their dose – and that’s disheartening. I hope this hearing will lead us toward a path of greater efficiency.” 

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D- Lake Forest) is urging current and former youth under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2021 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“Furthering education can open so many doors for children, especially our most vulnerable youth,” said Morrison, who has been a steadfast advocate for funding and resources for DCFS. “This scholarship opportunity can give students the tools they need to succeed in higher education, so I urge anyone who can to apply.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship, or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply. The program will award 53 academic scholarships in total.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on their scholastic record, community and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a written personal statement. Recipients will receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $1,235 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“This scholarship can alleviate the stress many students feel when transitioning into college, and allow students to focus on their education instead of worrying about how they will be able to pay for school,” Morrison said.

Applications are due by March 31. More information and the application are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website under DCFS Features on the homepage.

Students or caregivers may also call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 with questions about the application process or for more information.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is honored to be named majority caucus whip and to serve as chair of the Health Committee during the 102nd General Assembly. 

“Senate President Don Harmon has led our caucus — and the entire Senate — with immense poise and leadership,” Morrison said. “I am honored he trusts me to serve as the majority caucus whip.”

Senator Morrison has served in the Illinois General Assembly since 2012 — but this is the first year she’s served in leadership. 

Morrison is also pleased to chair the Health Committee. She previously served as chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and sat on the local government, environment and conservation, public health, oversight Medicaid managed care, and transportation committees. 

“My number one passion is ensuring all people are valued and treated with human dignity,” Morrison said. “Through the position as Health Committee chair, I am able to help protect and empower our state’s most vulnerable populations, who already struggle with too few resources.” 

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

“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 3994 would allow election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots. Election authorities would be able to receive reimbursement through the federal Help America Vote Act to pay for the boxes.