Morrison supports grants for child care providers

DEERFIELD — After hearing concerns from child care providers about the financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on them, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) supported funding to allow them to continue the vital services they provide for families. 

“Child care providers across the state have faced financial challenges after the public health crisis led them to shut their doors,” Morrison said. “Families rely on the care and education these facilities provide, so supplying them with funding was a priority of mine and a priority of the General Assembly.”

Lawmakers recently approved this year’s budget, which provides funds for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Grant Program for child care and day care providers who have had to close their businesses or reduce their capacity during the current pandemic.

Child care centers are one of the many types of businesses that were widely affected by the closures required during the COVID-19 outbreak. Until the start of Phase 3 of the reopening plan, child care providers could only operate at a limited capacity to care for children of essential workers. 

The grants will be distributed through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity once the program is established and funds are made available. The first step is Governor JB Pritzker signing the budget into law.

Morrison applauds approval of more funding for DCFS in state budget

SPRINGFIELD — Following years of underfunding at the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased her colleagues and the state realized the financial despair the agency faces — leading it to receive $1.4 billion in the Fiscal Year ’21 budget. 

“DCFS has experienced more turmoil in the past decade than any other state agency,” Morrison said. “While not all of the agency’s problems revolve around funding, many of the high-profile failures come from funded lack of resources.” 

Morrison has been a constant advocate for more funding and oversight for DCFS following years of reporting issues, understaffing and mistreatment of children in the system. The $178.5 million in additional funding compared to Fiscal Year ’20 would be used to boost the workforce, which would reduce caseloads for investigators and allow more attention to go toward the high demand of services.

“There is no question the agency needs more employees and resources to hire highly trained workers who have the determination and emotional stability to take on one of the toughest jobs,” Morrison said. 

Additionally, the funding could be used for more safety measures to keep DCFS workers from being exposed to COVID-19, as their jobs are at a higher priority while more children are home. Employees of DCFS need more protective gear, like masks, gloves and other PPE. 

“No child should have to worry or suffer, and this additional funding will allow for more caseworkers, services and investigators to protect them, ” Morrison said. “I applaud the General Assembly’s commitment to help this already at-risk group of children.”

The budget now heads to Governor JB Pritzker for final approval and will take effect July 1, upon his signature.

Morrison: Vote by mail is essential for voter safety

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to efforts from State Senator Julie Morrison, Illinoisans will have a more accessible way to cast their ballots from the safety of their homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, standing in line to vote isn’t safe for many, specifically older populations and those at higher health risks. 

“COVID-19 has made congregating in small and enclosed spaces more dangerous,” Morrison said. “Long lines to get to the ballot box would require people to choose between their health and their right to vote.”

Morrison (D-Lake Forest) successfully passed an elections package — found in Senate Bill 1863 — which, among other things, will expand the state’s vote by mail program for the November election.

Any person who has voted in the past two years — either in the 2018 General Election, 2019 Consolidated Election or 2020 Primary Election — will receive an application for a vote-by-mail ballot in their mailbox.

People who registered to vote after the 2020 Primary Election will also receive an application.

Under the measure, people who aren’t automatically sent an application will still have the chance to apply for a ballot via the State Board of Elections’ website. Applications will open the day the law takes effect.

This does not preclude in-person voting opportunities on and before Election Day.

“Vote by mail is essential for voters to stay safe while exercising their right to vote,” Morrison said. “I’ve heard from people all over the state who were concerned about their health during the November election, and I hope expanded vote by mail will put them at ease.”

The measure awaits the signature of Gov. JB Pritzker — who has been a steadfast supporter of vote by mail legislation. 

Morrison pushes for expansion of vote-by-mail program

DEERFIELD — As members of the General Assembly have arrived back to Springfield, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is urging her colleagues to take up her bill, a package that would expand the state’s vote-by-mail program for the November election among other changes related to elections.

“People should not have to worry about their health and safety when exercising their right to vote,” Morrison said. “If people don’t feel safe going to restaurants, they won’t feel safe standing in line to cast their vote.” 

Illinoisans would have more options to forego traditional polling places and cast their ballots from the safety of their homes during the November 2020 election under a measure sponsored by Morrison. She would like to see everyone who has voted in the last two years receive a ballot, which would then be returned to the county elections office and counted on Election Day.

This would not preclude in-person voting opportunities on and before Election Day.

“No one knows what this pandemic will look like come fall,” Morrison said. “It is imperative we give people more options to exercise their right to vote during this unprecedented time.” 

Leading up to her return to Springfield, Morrison spent several weeks speaking with stakeholders, organizations and experts about the proposal outlined in part of Senate Bill 1863 — a package of elections-related measures.