SPRINGFIELD – Every year, the State of Illinois receives billions of dollars in federal money that helps offset the cost of everything from school funding to health care services for low-income residents. The federal funds do not appear automatically, however, as state agencies must apply for available grants to receive the funds.

At a time when there is increased pressure on the state budget, State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) has introduced a plan that would ensure the state is taking full advantage of all available federal grants.

“Common sense dictates the state maximize the use of available federal dollars during these tough fiscal times,” Morrison said. “It is nothing short of wasteful for the state to be passing up these funds.”

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CHICAGO – After a series of high-profile media reports highlighted failures within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to protect abused children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) passed a law reforming the troubled agency. 

Part of Morrison’s efforts included an audit of DCFS to ensure children in the agency’s care do not remain in psychiatric hospitals, emergency shelters or detention centers for longer periods of time than necessary.

The findings of the audit, which were released in September and were the subject of a Human Services Committee hearing today in Chicago, found DCFS did not track and could not provide the majority of the data requested.

“For too long, DCFS operated with antiquated technologies and insufficient oversight that allowed some of our most troubled youth to slip through the cracks,” Morrison said. “While there has been progress made on a number of fronts, there is still much work to be done to ensure that no child who has been abused or neglected gets left behind by the state.”

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CHICAGO - For families of individuals with disabilities in Illinois, the process of securing job training services, residential housing options or day programs can be an arduous process that can takes years. 

“My son has been waiting for services since 2008,” said Mike Baker, parent and State Advocacy Chair of Autism Speaks.

Baker testified today about the importance of providing services for individuals with disabilities at a Senate Human Services Committee hearing held at the Bilandic Building in downtown Chicago.

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Join Senator Julie Morrison, Representative Elaine Nekritz and Representative Scott Drury for a town hall on environmental issues, taking place on Wednesday, September 21 at 7 p.m. at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Have a question or want to RSVP?
Please contact John Amdor in Rep. Nekrtiz's office at (847) 229-5499 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click on the flyer for more information