Morrison reacts to Senate budget vote

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Julie Morrison (D - Deerfield) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate took action on three budget bills yesterday:

"Yesterday, the Senate voted on both a budget and an income tax increase. I voted no on the income tax increase.  

"I have heard from SO many residents telling me that they opposed this increase, especially without any property tax relief. I have voted consistently to support a property tax freeze and to consolidate local governments, both which would provide some relief to our high property taxes. Without that, I didn't believe that it was right to ask the same people to pay more income tax.

"I did vote yes on the budget bills (Senate Bills 6 and 42).  While not perfect, the budget was incredibly necessary to provide some stability for the state.  I have served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and find this budget, which cut $3 billion in state spending, one we can work with. While I do believe there is room for some additional cuts, this was a decent start.

"Please don’t hesitate to contact my District Office in Deerfield at (847) 945-5200 or my Springfield Office at (217) 782-3650 if you have any additional questions."

Morrison meets with new acting director of DCFS (VIDEO)

• DCFS
• Children
• Video
• Human Services

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) met with new Acting Director of the Department of Children and Family Services Beverly Walker this afternoon during a hearing of the Senate Human Services Committee.

“Today’s hearing gave members of the Senate the opportunity to learn about Director Walker’s background and her ideas for bringing lasting change to DCFS,” Morrison said. “As seen by today’s high level of interest from Senators on both sides of the aisle, the Senate is committed to working with Acting Director Walker to address the monumental challenges facing this troubled agency.”

On Friday, Walker was named acting director of DCFS by Governor Rauner. Earlier this month, former Director George Sheldon resigned amid a series of high-profile failures at the troubled state agency.

Read more …

Morrison supports property tax freeze proposals

• Property Taxes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) issued the following statement today after voting in support of a pair of proposals that would institute a two-year property tax freeze for Illinois homeowners:

“Rising property taxes continue to be one of the biggest concerns facing suburban residents in my district. It is imperative we continue working on ways to reduce the financial burden being felt by too many homeowners.”

The proposals, contained in Senate Bills 482 and 484, passed the Senate with bipartisan support this afternoon and now head to the Illinois House for further debate.

Morrison plan expanding local government consolidation passes Senate

• Local Government
• Government Consolidation
• House Bill 607

SPRINGFIELD – Voters would be empowered to decide local government consolidation measures under a plan passed in the Senate yesterday and sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield).

“Illinois has the most units of local government of any state in the country,” Morrison said. “By empowering local voters, who know the needs of their communities, we are providing the opportunity to increase efficiencies and reduce costs to taxpayers.”

Read more …