Morrison announces $61 million for overhaul of Lake Bluff interchange

• Lake Bluff
• Rebuild Illinois
• Transportation

LAKE BLUFF - A long-planned upgrade to the interchange at Illinois Route 176 and U.S. Route 41 in Lake Bluff is closer to completion after State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) announced today that $61 million for the project has been secured in the recently signed Rebuild Illinois capital construction plan.

"For years, commuters on this highly traveled stretch of roadway have faced delays and safety hazards," Morrison said. "Working with local officials, it was clear this project would greatly enhance travel safety in the area and I am proud to have fought for its inclusion in the Rebuild Illinois program."

Included in the more than $40 billion infrastructure plan investing in roads, bridges and mass transit is $61 million for a complete overhaul of the Lake Bluff interchange. The project will improve safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians and support future growth at the gateway to Lake Bluff through access and drainage improvements.

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Supreme Court ruling makes case for state action on redistricting reform

• Supreme Court
• Elections
• Redistricting Reform
• SJRCA 4

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is renewing her push for redistricting reform in Illinois after suffering a setback last week from the U.S. Supreme Court.

“The recent ruling by the Supreme Court shows the important role states play in ensuring our redistricting process is fair, transparent and free from political influence,” Morrison said. “I remain determined to ensure that Illinois will reform the way legislative districts are drawn.”

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Illinois raises age to purchase tobacco to 21

• Tobacco 21
• Public Health
• HB 345

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that raises the age to legally purchase tobacco to 21 takes effect today.

“Throughout this entire process, our number one goal has been to reduce smoking rates in our teenage population,” said Morrison. “Raising the age has been proven to do just that. I am proud Illinois is a leader in protecting teenage health and reducing health care complications and premature death.”

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Morrison law increases burial benefit for fallen firefighters, law enforcement officers

• Illinois State Police
• Trooper Christopher Lambert
• HB 2028

SPRINGFIELD – The burial benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty will increase under a new law by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week.

“Every day, law enforcement officers and firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us all,” Morrison said. “The least we can do for fallen officers or firefighters is ensure their families aren’t left with worry about burying their loved one.”

Currently, the state burial benefit for firefighters, State Police officers or local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty is $10,000. Morrison’s new law will increase that benefit to $20,000, acknowledging the ever-increasing costs associated with burials. Neither the benefit for State Police officers nor the benefit for local law enforcement officers and firefighters has been raised since its creation in the late 1990s.

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