- Details
- Category: Features
DEERFIELD – To honor State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) for championing legislation that established the Disabled Workers Trainee Program, the Illinois Department of Human Rights named her the Interagency Committee for Employees with Disabilities Legislator of the Year.
“I’m just happy I was able to make a difference in the lives of people who already face greater challenges than the average person,” Morrison said. “However, I’m grateful for this honor and for all the hard work the Department of Human Rights does to protect the people of Illinois from discrimination.”
The Legislator of the Year award honors a legislator who has been instrumental in supporting public policy promoting the values of the committee and the rights of people with disabilities. The committee voted to select Morrison for this year’s award due to her efforts in spearheading and passing Senate Bill 726, which established the Disabled Workers Trainee Program. The program helps people with disabilities pursuing state employment by providing them with testing assistance.
“I firmly believe the state should be a leader in helping people who have traditionally faced discrimination, including people with disabilities and Black and Brown Illinois residents,” Morrison said. “I hope that private businesses will follow our lead and give people with disabilities a little extra help and consideration when they’re applying for jobs.”
Morrison will accept the award Thursday afternoon during a virtual ceremony.
- Details
- Category: Features
DEERFIELD – To continue to support small businesses struggling to recover from the COVID-19 public health crisis, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is inviting small businesses throughout the 29th District to participate in her upcoming small business tour series.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and have truly shaped our area into the great place it is today,” Morrison said. “This tour will highlight the businesses that are adapting to these unprecedented times while offering great products and services to residents in the northern suburbs.”
Morrison said she hopes to tour a variety of retail, service and manufacturing businesses.
To request a visit from Senator Morrison, businesses can visit SenatorJulieMorrison.com/SmallBusinessTour. Once the application is received, a member of Morrison’s team will respond with additional details.
People with questions can visit SenatorJulieMorrison.com or call 847-945-5200.
- Details
- Category: Features
DEERFIELD – After months of delays, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased to learn youth in the Department of Children and Family Service’s care will finally transition to a new Medicaid managed care program in September.
More than 16,000 foster children will transition to the new Medicaid managed care program this September, after nearly a year of delays. People who were formerly in care of the state’s foster program were transitioned to the new health care program in February, but the transition for current foster children was put on pause in an effort for them to receive a smooth transition to the robust care.
“While the delays were frustrating, it allowed the program to expand beyond its planned horizons, which will allow for tens of thousands of children to receive quality health care,” Morrison said. “Children in foster care already experience so much uncertainty, and I’m glad they no longer will have to worry about the quality of medical coverage they will receive if they get sick.”
Foster children will transition from traditional fee-for-service coverage to YouthCare – the Medicaid managed care program – Sept. 1.
- Details
- Category: Features
DEERFIELD — Starting Monday, Illinois newborns will now be tested for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a condition that leads to death if left untreated, thanks to a law passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).
“Medical advancements have made all the difference in treating this horrific disease that affects our youngest children,” Morrison said. “Including testing for SMA in regular newborn screenings will ensure treatment can begin immediately to prevent the disease from progressing and causing life-time harm or even death.”
Public Act 100-0864, spearheaded by Morrison in 2017, requires all newborns to be screened for spinal muscular atrophy by July 1, 2020. The Illinois Department of Public Health met the target date, and testing will begin June 29.
SMA is the most common genetic disorder linked to infant death worldwide and affects between 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 U.S. births. It is a terminal, degenerative disease that causes severe symptoms that eventually prevent a child from walking, standing, eating, swallowing and even breathing. Most children with the genetic disorder will not live past 18 months.
Fortunately, advances in medical treatment led the FDA to approve the first treatment for SMA in December 2016. The drug is only effective, however, if given early before symptoms fully develop, making testing of paramount importance.
“I am proud Illinois is taking a lead in ensuring all children are tested for a painful disease that can now be treated,” Morrison said.
More Articles …
Page 2 of 13