SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison released the following statement after the Illinois Department of Human Services released a comprehensive plan to improve care at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna.

“The state must take an aggressive approach to unravel and fix the ongoing issues at Choate. The quality of life of people with developmental disabilities has been ignored. We can no longer sit back and allow cruelty, abuse and poor care to overrun the facility.

“The multi-faceted plan rebalances the population served by moving some residents into less restrictive settings, such as Community Integrative Living Arrangement facilities. Hiring at least 160 new and professionally-trained staff and renovating the site for those residents who cannot live in the community are positive steps I support.”

“The plan outlined by the Department of Human Services is a good start. It is vital immediate action is taken to double down on safety precautions to ensure no other person is mistreated.”

DEERFIELD – As a legislator, it is State Senator Julie Morrison’s top priority to take feedback from the community and turn it in to positive change. Morrison is pleased to announce a new express services lane at the Deerfield driver’s services facility, cutting down long lines and extensive wait times.

“My office gets phone call and emails about completely unacceptable wait times. Renewing your driver’s license or changing your address should not be burdensome,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Secretary Giannoulias and I visited the Deerfield location and saw first-hand just how stressful and agonizing the experience was for the community. These new services will be a major change.”

Morrison and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias toured the Deerfield facility recently. After seeing for themselves the long lines and delays, they knew they had to do something to improve customer experience. Secretary Giannoulias created an express services program, which will allow people to renew or replace a lost driver’s license or ID card or updating their address.

The new express service is available next to the Deerfield facility, 405 Lake Cook Rd. in Deerfield. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“People – especially seniors – should not have to stand in long lines or spend half their day to simply update their driver’s license. Thanks to the new express service program, wait times will be cut exponentially,” said Morrison. “I thank Secretary Giannoulias for his commitment to taking residents’ concerns to heart and making change.”

For the first time in years, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee met – this time with State Senator Julie Morrison serving as the chair.

“Every day we benefit from the sacrifices and hard work of our veterans, and I simply cannot thank them enough for what they do,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is our civic duty as elected officials to support these local heroes by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives,"

Morrison will serve as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee throughout the 103^rd General Assembly. Morrison was a steadfast advocate on restarting the committee after hearing from many veterans in the community that they needed an advocate in Springfield. Morrison’s district includes the military facilities of Fort Sheridan and Great Lake Naval Training Base.

The committee will meet regularly throughout the legislative session to discuss matters relating to veterans and how the General Assembly can better provide for them.

“Veterans are forgotten heroes that should be remembered and supported,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “They put their lives on the line for our freedom and safety and deserve the utmost respect and assistance when they return home.”