SPRINGFIELD – The $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions included in President Trump’s federal tax overhaul threatens states like Illinois. Illinois relies more on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction than other states.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) passed a proposal out of the Senate this afternoon that would allow Illinois taxpayers to donate up to 90 percent of their state income or property taxes to again itemize one’s federal income tax above the $10,000 cap. 

“Capping the SALT deduction punishes states like Illinois that have higher property tax burdens and above-average incomes,” Morrison said. “For a state like Illinois, which contributes much more in federal taxes than we receive back in programs and services, this is an unfair tax policy that must be rectified.” 

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – The mass shooting in Tennessee in late April that left four dead at a Waffle House prompted State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) to introduce legislation that would increase oversight whenever a family member takes possession of a firearm from an individual who is deemed not qualified to possess the weapon. Today, the Senate passed her proposal.

“This tragic situation suggests we need to be more specific about what our laws mean and how they should be enforced,” Morrison said. “It is of paramount importance that firearms do not end up back in the hands of individuals who have been deemed unfit to possess them.”

Morrison’s plan, contained in Senate Bill 2387, would require any individual taking possession of a firearm from someone not eligible to have it to fill out an affidavit attesting they understand their responsibilities under the law. The affidavit would be filed with the Illinois State Police and also the state’s attorney where the recipient resides. 

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – Insurance companies would be required to cover prescribed hearing aids for minors in Illinois under a plan advanced yesterday afternoon by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“When a child cannot hear properly, a host of problems can arise, including falling behind in school and behavioral challenges,” Morrison said. “Hearing aids are medically necessary for children to successfully go to school and grow. We must ensure they are available to all children who need them.”

House Bill 4516 would require insurers in Illinois to cover prescribed hearing aids to minors as well as cover related services and repairs when necessary. While the number of children in Illinois who need hearing aids is relatively small at under 5,000, the nature of children’s hearing disabilities is usually different from adults and requires different kinds of hearing aids.

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – Home nurses and members of law enforcement would be able to safely dispose of unused liquid medication under a proposal sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that advanced today in the Senate Public Health Committee.

“A key component in our fight against the opioid crisis is limiting access to highly addictive painkillers and other drugs,” Morrison said. “While we have seen success in combating doctor shopping and the over-prescribing of opioids, we must also ensure leftover painkillers – especially in home health situations – are disposed of and not readily available for potential abuse.”

Morrison’s proposal, which is contained in House Bill 1338, would expand the ability of nurses and law enforcement to properly dispose of leftover medications.

Read more ...