SPRINGFIELD – Living organ donors in Illinois would have increased protections under the law under a proposal passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that was signed into law today by Gov. Pritzker.

“Across Illinois, thousands of residents are awaiting a kidney transplant. Sadly, less than a quarter of patients who were on the organ donation waiting list last year actually received an organ transplant,” Morrison said. “We must do more to incentivize individuals willing to give so much of themselves for the health of another.”

Morrison’s new law – contained in House Bill 2847 – would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to insure or limiting the kind of coverage available needed for care solely because an individual was a living organ donor.

The law also includes protections in the workplace, making it unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee for requesting a leave of absence to donate an organ. Lastly, the bill creates an organ and tissue donor registry under the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

SPRINGFIELD – News that Land of Lincoln Goodwill in Springfield is laying off dozens of workers with disabilities without a valid explanation is drawing concern from State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“It is disheartening that Goodwill would use false excuses to terminate the employment of reliable, hardworking staff with disabilities in Illinois,” Morrison said.

Morrison – who is chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus – passed a series of measures this year aimed at increasing state employment of individuals with disabilities, all aimed at breaking down the barriers to employment.

SPRINGFIELD – Students with epilepsy will be better protected at school under a new law signed today by Gov. JB Pritzker and sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“Nationwide, 470,000 children are affected by epilepsy. As children spend a large part of their day in the classroom, it is imperative schools are prepared to handle the unique set of health care needs of these students,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s new law – contained in House Bill 1475 – creates the Seizure Smart School Act, which would require the development of a plan for students with epilepsy that includes training for employees and care aides on how to handle students with the disorder.

LAKE BLUFF - A long-planned upgrade to the interchange at Illinois Route 176 and U.S. Route 41 in Lake Bluff is closer to completion after State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) announced today that $61 million for the project has been secured in the recently signed Rebuild Illinois capital construction plan.

"For years, commuters on this highly traveled stretch of roadway have faced delays and safety hazards," Morrison said. "Working with local officials, it was clear this project would greatly enhance travel safety in the area and I am proud to have fought for its inclusion in the Rebuild Illinois program."

Included in the more than $40 billion infrastructure plan investing in roads, bridges and mass transit is $61 million for a complete overhaul of the Lake Bluff interchange. The project will improve safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians and support future growth at the gateway to Lake Bluff through access and drainage improvements.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is renewing her push for redistricting reform in Illinois after suffering a setback last week from the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Yesterday’s ruling by the Supreme Court shows the important role states play in ensuring our redistricting process is fair, transparent and free from political influence,” Morrison said. “I remain determined to ensure that Illinois will reform the way legislative districts are drawn.”

In its ruling, the Supreme Court found that claims of partisan influence in the drawing of legislative districts is a political issue that the courts cannot resolve. The ruling left open the ability for states to establish their own system of drawing district boundaries.