Morrison encourages use of simplified college application process

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging incoming college students to take advantage of Common App – a simplified way to apply to multiple Illinois colleges and universities at once.

“Applying to college is a tedious and stressful process that can take hours and cost hundreds,” Morrison said. “Common App makes the process easier by creating a one-stop shop for incoming students to send applications to multiple colleges at once.”

Incoming students applying to college will now be able to submit applications to any of Illinois’ 12 public universities and dozens of private institutions using just one form on commonapp.org. Once a student makes a Common App account, they will be asked to confirm which schools they’d like to apply to and review the admission requirements for those schools. They’ll then submit their application on the website, where they’ll be able to track its status.

Low-income students and their families can apply for a waiver to help cover the application cost. Over the last two years, more than 470,000 students using Common App across the country were granted a fee waiver.

“By making the college application process more efficient and cost effective, we are breaking down barriers to access to higher education,” Morrison said. “Getting your application to multiple admissions’ offices in one fell swoop is a great opportunity – one I know my kids wish they would’ve had when applying to college.”

The expansion of Common App comes thanks to $1 million set aside in partnership with the governor’s office, Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois General Assembly.

Morrison calls on DCFS to provide better care for LGBTQ youth

SPRINGFIELD – Calling on the Department of Children and Family Services to better support and protect its LGBTQ youth in care, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to address the agency’s shortcomings.

“There are estimates that 30% of our youth in care at DCFS identify as LGBTQ, yet there seems to be a discrepancy between that number and the numbers DCFS provided,” Morrison said. “We must ensure LGBTQ youth in care are getting the proper support they need to have successful futures.” 

The hearing comes following recent findings that DCFS was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care. An investigation by the auditor general looked into how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. The audit – which was spearheaded by a resolution previously passed by Morrison – found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

While the agency later announced it’s enhancing its LGBTQ training and resources, Senator Morrison urged DCFS to implement an overall change in training and policies.

“We cannot assume that every home is affirming to LGBTQ youth and that they will provide the behavioral and emotional support the children need,” Morrison said. “Change must be made so all children are placed in supportive, caring homes.”

Morrison said she hopes Tuesday’s hearing will open the doors for LGBTQ youth in care to have the same opportunities as other children. She believes this starts with a clinically appropriate screening process to understand each child’s individual needs.

Senator Morrison to host hearing on audit of treatment of LGBTQ youth in DCFS care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) will lead a hearing Tuesday to further dive into a recent audit that found the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles,” Morrison said. “We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and support their authentic selves.”

The hearing comes after a recent investigation by the auditor general that looked into how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. The audit found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

While the agency later announced it’s enhancing its LGBTQ training and resources, Senator Morrison – who previously passed a resolution calling for the audit – is urging DCFS to implement an overall change in training and policies.

WHO: Health Committee Chair Julie Morrison, Health Committee members, DCFS representatives

WHAT: Senate Health Committee Subject Matter Hearing on DCFS LGBTQ Audit Findings

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Virtual Room 2 at ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp

Morrison congratulates Rosalind Franklin University for grants to advance research, medicine

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is congratulating Rosalind Franklin University for being awarded $2 million in grants to build a state-of-the-art wet lab space.

“As the past year has shown us, research and medicine are at the forefront of our everyday lives,” Morrison said. “The money granted to Rosalind Franklin will bolster research while bringing investments to the community.”

The North Chicago-based university was one of eight Illinois companies to be granted funds through the Wet Lab Capital program created under the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan. Rosalind Franklin University will use the more than $2 million allocated to create additional space in its Innovation and Research Park to advance research and medicine.

Wet labs are where cutting-edge research in life sciences occurs and represent a critical component of research and development for companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals/medicines, medical devices and diagnostics, research and manufacturing organizations, and more. Wet lab space is customized with ventilation and other infrastructure needed to handle chemicals and materials commonly associated with biotech research.

“We’re proud to partner with the state of Illinois on our vision for the Innovation and Research Park, which is establishing itself as a regional hub for healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Wendy Rheault, president and CEO of Rosalind Franklin University. “The DCEO is helping us propel a development that will have a significant economic regional impact. Working together in public/private partnership, we’re building a research enterprise that will benefit our university, our communities and our region for generations to come.”