Morrison encourages small businesses to apply for second round of BIG Grants

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging small businesses continuing to face financial hardships due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Many small business owners continue to struggle, wonder when the pandemic will let up, and worry if their establishment can survive the colder months,” Morrison said. “Any business suffering – from restaurants to movie theatres – should apply for BIG funding as soon as it becomes available Thursday.”
The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, and another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Businesses located in Highwood in the 60040 ZIP code, Wheeling in the 60090 ZIP code and North Chicago in the 60064 ZIP code qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible ZIP codes, click here.

During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. More than 50 business in the district Morrison represents received a combined $870,000.

Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

Morrison calls on DCFS to abide by Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act

DEERFIELD – During a Senate Human Services Committee Monday, Chairman Julie Morrison called on the Department of Children and Family Services for greater transparency relating to child deaths and injuries that happen under the agency’s watch. 

“Every member of the General Assembly should receive the Death or Serious Life-Threatening Injury Report each month so we can all be aware of these tragedies,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “We need to know about those children, their cause of death and the circumstances.”

The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act requires DCFS to investigate the death or serious life-threatening injury of a child in its care and issue a report on the circumstance to a number of legislators in leadership positions, as well as the senator and representative in whose district the death or injury occurred within six months. Additionally, a cumulative report of all deaths and serious life-threatening injuries must be submitted to the General Assembly annually.

However, since first joining the Senate in 2013, Morrison said she has not been notified of a death or serious life-threatening injury of a child in her district, nor has she been sent the quarterly data released by DCFS without asking for it. Additionally, Morrison argued there is data missing from the reports and it isn’t easy for an everyday person to read.

During Monday’s meeting, Morrison also brought up concerns about children who are in psychiatric hospitals ready to be released but have no where to go, and what kind of step-down foster care programs are available for them. She was heartbroken to learn that there isn’t a specific plan for the current 44 children who are in these situations.

“These children need help, but they can’t receive that help without a loving and stable home,” Morrison said. “The agency must act on this immediately and find the least restrictive setting possible so no more children have to suffer.”

Morrison will continue conversations with the Department of Children and Family Services to find the best solutions to ensure the state’s most vulnerable children receive the best care.

Morrison thanks AG Raoul for his support of California’s ban on large-capacity magazines

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul’s decision to join 18 attorneys general in supporting California’s ban on large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

“There is absolutely no reason an everyday person needs to have possession of large-capacity magazines. The heartbreaking devastation caused by gun violence across the country cannot be overstated and must be put to an end. California’s ban is a great first step toward protecting public safety, and the rest of the country needs to follow suit.

“I thank Attorney General Raoul for his compassion and dedication toward defending this common sense measure to keep communities safe.”

Morrison outlines suicide prevention resources in Lake County

DEERFIELD – In 2020 alone, 55 lives have been lost to suicide in Lake County. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) wants to remind people they matter and help is always available.

“During a time of increased stress and social isolation stemming from the public health crisis, more people are feeling helpless and out of control,” Morrison said. “Help is out there for everyone. There are a number of resources in Lake County to help people understand their feelings, offer support and point them in the right direction.”

The Lake County Health Department offers a free Crisis Care Program. The confidential hotline, available at 847-377-8088, can help anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or substance abuse. Counselors are also available in person at 3002 Grand Lake Ave. in Waukegan. Anyone who needs help can call or walk in, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Help is extended to every resident of Lake County – no matter their age. Kids who are struggling are encouraged to download the “Lake County Help” app to their smartphone, which they can use to text anonymously with a licensed clinician.

Additionally, any Lake County resident who needs assistance finding mental health or substance abuse treatment, as well as food, shelter, rent or utility assistance can call 211 or text their zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help.

“We must continue to check on our friends and family – even if we can’t physically be with them,” Morrison said. “Learning the warning signs of suicide and lending a helping hand can save a life. Suicide is preventable.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers a number of resources to help people in crisis or those worried about a friend or family member. The lifeline offers 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-273-8255. Morrison also encourages everyone to learn the risk factors and warning signs of suicide so they can help their loved ones. For more information, click here.