SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now receive stronger protections under the Human Rights Act, thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

When the current Human Rights Act was enacted, the statutes recognized only one type of order of protection. Senate Bill 2826, signed into law last week, expands the law’s protections to include persons protected under No Contact Orders, No Stalking No Contact Orders and Civil No Contact Orders.

That clarification will afford victims of workplace stalking and harassment further protections by aid such as reasonable, unpaid leave for court dates.

“Clarifying and strengthening the definition of the Illinois Human Rights Act is the right thing to do,” Morrison said. “We have to ensure that everyone has the strongest protections when it comes to discrimination in the workplace.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) joined Wheeling Village President Patrick Horcher earlier this week in touring three Wheeling manufacturing facilities.

“Manufacturing is a major industry in the area, with hundreds of local residents working in the field,” Morrison said. “As a state legislator, I believe it’s important to talk to local employers and make sure the state is doing everything possible to attract and retain good businesses like these.”

Morrison toured Creation Technologies, Wieland Metals and Argon Medical Devices. Together, the companies employ more than 500 individuals at their Wheeling facilities.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) held the first in a series of summer hearings today in response to continued failures at the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

The hearing, held at the Bilandic Building in downtown Chicago, focused on 17-month-old Semaj Crosby, who was found dead in late April in her Joliet-area home. The death of Semaj uncovered a host of failures and questionable practices at DCFS, including reports of an incentive program for case workers who closed the most cases in a month.

“When our system fails a child, it is a reflection on all of us,” Morrison said. “Simply blaming DCFS for their failures will not enact the change this agency so desperately needs. Today we began the important work of shedding light on the causes of this tragedy. We will use what we learn to make sure we have not just policies but practices that ensure DCFS will protect children in Illinois.”