SPRINGFIELD – Like thousands of teenagers across the country, Noel Demetrio was her happiest when performing cheer routines with her teammates. That happiness, however, quickly turned tragic when she was lifted into the air during a halftime performance, only to fall and face serious injury that led to immediate hospitalization.

After a year of physical and emotional struggles, then-15-year-old Demetrio recovered and was able to cheer again. Yet, she acknowledged that many people across the state and nation aren’t that lucky – leading her to work with State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to ensure cheerleaders of all levels learn proper safety standards.

“I am thankful to Senator Morrison for believing in me. My hope was that something could be done throughout our state to protect cheerleaders. In fact, I felt I had an obligation to help greatly reduce serious injury in the sport of cheer,” said Demetrio. “I have loved taking part in the legislative process. With Senator Morrison’s strong advocacy, as well as Representative Bob Morgan leading the way in the House, my hope has been realized. I am grateful that the safety standards that have now been enacted into law will greatly reduce serious injury in the sport I love.” 

Morrison was enamored with Demetrio’s drive to turn her experience into change to minimize the risk for other cheerleaders and make the sport safer. She worked with the young Lake Forest athlete to pass a newly signed law to require the Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association to adopt the Spirit Rules Book – which sets standards and regulations to ensure the safe practice and competition of cheer teams.

“It takes a lot of care, compassion and resilience to turn a tragedy into change,” said Morrison. “I am proud of Noel’s steadfast advocacy to make a difference by protecting future generations of cheerleaders.”

In 2022, 18,007 cheerleading injuries led to emergency room visits across the country. Together, Morrison and Demetrio’s efforts to enhance precautions and knowledge will lead to fewer injuries.

“Cheerleading — while a sport full of enthusiasm and spirit – can quickly take a turn, as Noel learned firsthand,” said Morrison. “I am proud of our joint effort to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of cheer and spirit leaders.”

Senate Bill 2861 was signed into law last week and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led the effort on the passage of a new law to expand property tax relief by allowing more veterans to qualify for the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption.

“This law is one way of honoring the sacrifices veterans and their families have made,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. “I will continue to champion the needs of this group of brave individuals.”

Under the new law, disabled veterans of World War II can receive a 100% reduction in their home’s assessed value – leading to a $0 property tax bill. Additionally, it will allow disabled veterans who receive disability compensation at 70% or more, and the surviving spouses of veterans whose deaths were service-connected, to qualify for the exemption of the first $250,000 of their home’s assessed value.

"Veterans disabled in the line of duty have already given so much to our country," said Andrew Tangen, president of the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions. "Receiving the benefits delivered through this legislation in a uniform way across the state is an important step for the legislature to make to recognize our veteran community for all they have sacrificed."  

House Bill 612 was signed into law Monday and takes effect immediately.

LAKE FOREST – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who passed Illinois’ “red flag” law in 2018, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal gun control law intended to protect survivors of domestic violence:

“Today’s ruling recognizes the critical importance of protecting victims of domestic violence by affirming the legal ability to restrict the possession of firearms by individuals subject to domestic violence orders. This decision reinforces the intent behind laws like Illinois’ Firearms Restraining Order Act, which I championed to prevent tragedies by keeping guns out of the hands of people who demonstrate threatening behavior.

“When a credible threat to the physical safety of another person is identified, it is imperative that action is taken swiftly — the consequences of not intervening are too great.

“I commend the U.S. Supreme Court for upholding these lifesaving protections, and I remain committed to advocating for tangible solutions to keep our communities safe.”

SPRINGFIELD – The General Assembly accomplished a great deal this spring legislative session. State Senator Julie Morrison supported a budget and subsequent legislative efforts to prioritize public health and safety.  

“I was proud to vote for a smart, balanced budget focused on public health,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By prioritizing health care, delta-8 regulation and mitigating the effects of climate change, our state is making an effort to support the continued wellness of all Illinois residents.”

Alongside the budget, Morrison also supported a number of measures during the last week of session to prioritize people’s health and safety.

The General Assembly worked together to pass legislation which reforms insurance and supports consumers. Morrison’s initiative, Senate Bill 2697, was a massive win for increasing cancer screening and genetic testing. House Bill 5643 secured coverage for at-home pregnancy tests while House Bill 5087 made physical therapy available via telehealth.