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 29^th 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.

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.

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.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 21 budget, which provides more funding for DCFS:

“No state agency has gone through more turmoil over the past decade. While not every problem revolves around funding, many of the Department of Children and Family Services’ high-profile failures come from a lack of resources.

“This additional funding is necessary to boost the workforce, which would reduce caseloads for investigators and allow more attention to go toward services. More funding means the ability to hire more highly trained workers who have the determination and stability to take on one of the state’s toughest jobs.

"I will work diligently with DCFS to hold them accountable and make sure the additional funding is used appropriately for resources to best help our state's most vulnerable children.

“Children should not have to suffer — especially at a time when they are home more often in situations that could be dangerous. We must be there for them. More money for DCFS will protect our children — and that’s the best investment we can make.”