Morrison to host donation drive, blanket-making event for veterans

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison is encouraging residents to participate in her holiday giving drive for veterans by either donating items or volunteering to make fleece blankets.

“The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our shared commitment and gratitude to those who have served our country,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

The donation drive and blanket-making event will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highland Park Police Station Training Room, 1677 Old Deerfield Rd. in Highland Park. Morrison will be collecting new blankets, non-perishable food items, and new board games, puzzles, and playing cards to donate to Midwest Veterans Closet. The organization provides free clothing and food for veterans and service members in the community.

Those who would like to volunteer their time can join Morrison to tie together warm blankets to donate. The Senator’s office will provide no-sew fleece blanket kits. Individuals or community organizations who wish to participate in blanket making are encouraged to sign up here.

Any questions can be directed to the Senator’s office at 847-945-5200.

Morrison supports legislation to give property tax relief for seniors

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

"Our seniors face enough daily challenges without worrying about rising property taxes," said Morrison. "This legislation expands eligibility for property tax relief, helping more seniors stay in their homes without the fear of being priced out."

Senate bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

To address gentrification issues, it would also add an occupancy requirement, stating seniors must have owned and lived in their home for at least three years. This expanded threshold would allow thousands of additional seniors across Illinois to qualify for the property tax freeze – helping them stay in their homes and maintain financial security as the cost of living continues to rise.

The bill would also create a new property tax repayment plan, giving counties the authority to establish structured payment options for homeowners with unpaid taxes. For the 2025 tax year, unpaid taxes would begin accruing interest at a reduced rate, providing taxpayers more time and flexibility to meet their obligations without facing harsh penalties. Counties would be able to offer payment plans during the redemption period and waive interest penalties for participants who comply with their plan’s terms – making it easier for older adults to recover from temporary financial setbacks.

Senate Bill 642 passed the Senate and heads to the governor for further consideration.

Morrison calls for bipartisan action to protect SNAP benefits for Illinois families

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Saturday, November 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Families throughout our state depend on this assistance for basic nutrition. Political deadlock cannot be allowed to result in hunger," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including nearly 9,000 people in the district Morrison represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Morrison stresses that while a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention, during this time of increased need, she is encouraging those who are able to donate to their local food pantries.

“Food pantries serve hundreds of people each week – from families facing impossible choices between paying rent and buying groceries, parents skipping meals so their children can eat, and seniors stretching fixed incomes that simply don’t cover basic needs,” said Morrison. “No matter if you donate items or make a monetary donation, your generosity will have a significant positive impact for our neighbors in need.”

If you are in need of food assistance, please reach out to your township or contact these organizations. 

Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to resources. 

• Cook County: https://211metrochicago.org/
• Lake County: https://211lakecounty.org/

My Pantry Express, a program of Northern Illinois Food Bank: 

https://www.mypantryexpress.org/

Moraine Township Food Pantry: 800 Central Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035

morainetownship.org/food-pantry – 847-432-3240 

Northfield Township Food Pantry: 2550 Waukegan Rd., Suite 100, Glenview, IL 60025

northfieldtownship.com/food-pantry – 847-724-8300 

West Deerfield Township Food Pantry: 601 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015

westdeerfieldtownship.org/food-pantry – 847-945-0614  

Wheeling Township Food Pantry: 616 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004

wheelingtownship.com/food-pantry – 847-259-7730

Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Pl., Chicago, IL 60632

chicagosfoodbank.org – 773-247-3663 

Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Ct., Geneva, IL 60134

solvehungertoday.org – 630-443-6910

 

Morrison brings lifesaving, hands on emergency training to residents

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison is teaming up with the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department to teach residents of all ages how they can help their friends, family, neighbors and others with emergency medical treatment before the professional paramedics arrive.

“Being equipped with basic skills to help during a medical emergency can save a life," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).  "In the event that you should be called upon to provide assistance to someone in distress, this event is the perfect opportunity to introduce you to important life saving techniques."

The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Department located at 500 Waukegan Rd. in Deerfield. The fire department will host a number of informational stations including hands-only CPR, "Stop the Bleed," calling 911, and how to help someone who is choking. The Lake County Health Department will also provide Naloxone for folks to take home, as well as substance use treatment options.

The event is free and open to the public. People of all ages are encouraged to attend. Residents with questions can call Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200.