SPRINGFIELD – To recognize the agency’s 100 years of service to residents across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) supported an initiative declaring April 2022 as Illinois State Police Centennial Month. 

“Our men and women in uniform make the ultimate sacrifice each day to serve and protect our communities,” Morrison said. “By recognizing the Illinois State Police throughout the month of April, we will show support to those who go above and beyond to support us.”

Under the Public Works and Buildings Department, the Illinois State Police was created on April 1, 1922. The agency was initially responsible for enforcing road weight laws. At the beginning, there were only eight patrolmen, and their equipment included World War I uniforms, motorcycles and portable scales for weighing trucks.

Now, with leadership from Director Brendan Kelly, ISP operates 21 patrol districts, eight investigative zones, six forensic science laboratories, and five regional crime scene service centers. The agency works to promote public safety, assist local law enforcement departments, decrease roadway crashes and reduce crime across the state.

“We are forever indebted to those who work around the clock to protect every corner of our state,” Morrison said. “I can’t thank each of these honorable men and women enough.”

Senate Resolution 934 was adopted by the Senate Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – To put the state on a path toward increased sustainability, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a measure to cut back on single-use plastic being sent to landfills.

“It’s simple: We need to protect our animals and our health from hazardous materials placed in landfills,” Morrison said. “Eliminating plastic use at our parks is a small step we can take to make a big difference.”

Morrison’s measure would require state agencies to only contract with vendors that do not use single-use plastics for food services at state parks and natural areas starting in January 2024. Rather, compostable or recyclable foodware would need to be utilized – except plastic straws upon request only.

Nearly 47% of plastic waste in the United States is from single-use plastic and packaging. Limiting plastic products can significantly reduce plastic pollution. Further, more than 85% of the trash picked up in Great Lakes beach cleanups is made of plastic.

“We need to work together to do all we can to keep our parks clean,” Morrison said. “By implementing more biodegradable and reusable alternatives to plastic, we can put our communities on a path toward sustainability.”

Senate Bill 1915 has passed both chambers and heads to the governor’s office for final consideration.  

SPRINGFIELD – For two weeks, the position of the Legislative Inspector General has been vacant – a concern of State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) as there has not been anyone to investigate ethics complaints of state legislators.

However, Michael McCuskey, a former public defender and judge, was selected to the position Wednesday – a move Morrison says is good for legislative transparency.

She released the following statement:

“Greater disclosure, more transparency and a higher standard of conduct cannot be obtained by the state legislature without a Legislative Inspector General in place. Today, with the appointment of Michael McCuskey, we are on a path toward restoring trust among those who work under the dome.”

SPRINGFIELD – Part of State Senator Julie Morrison’s legislative package to further protect children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is on its way to the House.

"We owe it to the children and families who rely on DCFS to do everything in our power to keep them safe and give them the best services we are able to provide," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "While there is much more work to be done, these measures are a step in the right direction."

Senate Bill 3747 provides that all children under the age of five in the child welfare system would be eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, which helps provide financial assistance for quality child care. Additionally, infants and toddlers in the care of DCFS would automatically be eligible for the state's Early Intervention Program, supporting families in promoting their child's development.

Senate Bill 3853 provides families who receive Extended Family Support services from DCFS with additional resources through a three-year pilot program. The measure includes broader "wraparound" case management services, home visiting services for caregivers of children under five, and more.

Both measures passed the Senate Wednesday and head to the House for further consideration.