Morrison: Ethics measure to reform glaring corruption in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – Following a number of ethics violations under the dome over the years, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) helped pass a measure to hold lawmakers, lobbyists and other insiders to the highest ethical standards.

“We must continue to strive for more transparency, greater disclosure and a higher standard of conduct,” Morrison said. “This commonsense legislation will call for lawmakers to work in the best interest of the people of Illinois – not in the best interest of themselves or their wallets.”

The ethics overhaul measure – found within Senate Bill 539 – makes a number of changes to current ethics law, including instituting a revolving door for executive branch elected officials and legislators becoming lobbyists, enacting a more clear statement of economic interest form and creating a statewide lobbying database.

Many of the items found within the measure were originally part of an ethics package filed by Morrison in January 2020. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that measure was not able to make it across the finish line. However, Morrison is pleased to pledge her support for this bill that will help end corruption in Illinois government.

“This is another step toward ending the glaring corruption taking place in Springfield,” Morrison said. “I applaud my colleagues in both chambers for passing real, lasting ethics reform.”

The measure passed both chambers.

Morrison leads Medicaid overhaul programs

SPRINGFIELD – A comprehensive Medicaid overhaul measure passed through the General Assembly Monday includes two provisions spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“Programs that help people kick the habit and make adults better role models for children who might see their family members partake in the harmful act of smoking,” Morrison said. “Ensuring every person who can benefit from these types of treatments can afford them is a commonsense proposal.”

A 2020 Surgeon General Report on the health benefits of quitting smoking found that insurance coverage for comprehensive “smoking cessation treatment” leads to higher rates of successful quitting. To align with the report, Morrison spearheaded part of the Senate Bill 2294 to add Medicaid coverage for smoking cessation counseling.

The comprehensive Medicaid package also includes a provision that would raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for targeted dental services for both adults and children. Many families face limited dental access, because so few dentists participate in Medicaid. By increasing Medicaid reimbursement for targeted services, the number of participating dentists will increase.

“Higher reimbursements will incentivize dentists to expand their care to some of the most vulnerable people in our state,” Morrison said. “Other states that have implemented higher rates have seen gains in dentists’ participation and more children getting dental services.”

The measure passed both chambers and now heads to the governor for final approval.

Morrison’s measure to help domestic violence survivors passes both chambers

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure they can more easily prove they’re under an order of protection, Illinois would issue an official card for survivors of domestic violence under a measure sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“We must do all we can to protect survivors of domestic violence and provide them with the peace of mind that they are safe,” Morrison said. “Allowing them to have a convenient way to live life with the fullest protection possible is pertinent.”

Under the measure, survivors of domestic violence who have an order of protection would be granted a “Hope Card” to carry as official documentation of the order. The driver’s license-sized, laminated card could be distributed to people who may need to be aware of the order in an easier and more convenient way than traditional paper copies. 

Morrison’s legislation would require the Illinois Supreme Court to implement the Hope Card program for any person under a preliminary order of protection. The card would contain a photograph, case number, active dates of the order of protection and other pertinent information. Survivors would be able to get multiple Hope Cards to pass out to coworkers, teachers and administrators at a child’s school, or anyone else who might need to be aware of the order of protection.

“The Hope Card will equip survivors with a much easier way to communicate their situation with others,” Morrison said. “Passing this measure is showing survivors we see them and we are here to help.”

House Bill 3485 has passed both chambers.  

Morrison leads measure to prepare schools for serious allergic reactions

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect the lives of young children with food allergies, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a measure in the Senate that would create an anaphylactic policy for schools and day cares.

“Children spend most of their day at school, and both they and their parents deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing that schools are well-equipped to assist when a student is having an allergic reaction,” Morrison said. “Creating a plan and training more employees on what to do if a student is having a reaction will save lives.” 

The measure would require an anaphylactic policy for daycares and schools to be created and include training course requirements, food allergy-specific guidelines, a communication plan, and exposure to allergen reduction strategies. It would be based on guidance and recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and would be shared with parents upon enrollment.

Additionally, under the measure, each daycare should have at least one staff member present at all times who has taken a training course in recognizing anaphylaxis.

“All children should be able to enjoy the same simple joys of school, safe in the knowledge that we’re ready to protect them in an emergency – and that starts with the help of the school community,” Morrison said.

Morrison has continuously been an advocate for helping children with allergies. In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors for minors. She is currently working to take that law one step further by removing the age limitation.

House Bill 102 has passed both chambers.