Morrison reacts to criminal bribery investigation

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement on a criminal bribery investigation that appears to implicate the highest leadership in the Illinois House:

“Today’s development is further proof of the ongoing corruption in Illinois government and the need for change. For far too long, people in and related to the General Assembly have gotten away with unethical and illegal actions with no repercussions. The ComEd investigation speaks for itself: We must step up. We must push for ethics reform. We must not allow corrupt people to serve in office.

I ask every member of the General Assembly to uphold their legal and ethical obligation to the people they represent, and to join me in the upcoming session to prioritize the overhaul of this system.”

Morrison pleased with upcoming DCFS transition to Medicaid managed care

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.

Morrison’s epilepsy preparation law takes effect

DEERFIELD— Students with epilepsy will be better protected at school as teachers train for handling students with the disorder under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“Students spend a large part of their day at school, so it is imperative for teachers and staff to be prepared to handle all medical needs,” Morrison said. “Educating schools on how to respond when a student is having a seizure could save lives.”

Morrison’s new law – contained in House Bill 1475 – creates the Seizure Smart School Act, which requires the development of a plan for students with epilepsy that includes training for employees and care aides on how to handle students with the disorder.

The plan requires a student’s parents or guardians to share the health care provider’s instructions on managing the student’s epilepsy and include a copy of any prescriptions and how and when to administer those medicines.

“Nationwide, 470,000 children have epilepsy, but not all schools are equipped to help them,” Morrison said. “That will change under this new law, which will prepare schools for any epilepsy-related situation.”

The measure passed the Senate in 2019 with no opposition and takes effect July 1.

Morrison’s proposal to require testing for deadly infant disease takes effect Monday

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.