Morrison measure to add additional Scott’s Law penalties

SPRINGFIELD – Last month, three Illinois officers were struck by cars within 24 hours after drivers chose to ignore the “Move Over” law. To help combat the rising number of officer injuries and deaths by vehicle, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is leading the charge to enhance Scott’s Law penalties.

“This law is common sense, yet every day dozens of people are breaking it and putting the lives of officers at risk,” Morrison said. “This has to change. Writing a check for a fine doesn’t seem to be enough for some people, so we’re going to do all we can to make sure the purpose of this law is heard loud and clear – and that’s by requiring people to give up their free time to do community service work.”

Scott’s Law – or the “Move Over” law – requires drivers to slow down their cars, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on. During a 19-day span last month, the Illinois State Police issues 1,340 tickets to people not following Scott’s Law.

Under current statute, a person who violates Scott’s Law will be fined between $250 to $10,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second. The amount is determined by a judge.

If Senate Bill 1913 passes and is signed into law, a judge may also issue the violator a term of community service work on top of the fine.

“Far too many officers have been recklessly injured or killed, simply by doing their jobs,” Morrison said. “We must ensure no other family has to endure the pain of a call that says their loved one was hit while protecting their community.”

The Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Fire Chiefs and secretary of state, among others, support the measure. It passed the Senate Criminal Committee Tuesday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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Morrison applauds Watts Rec Center's new disability accommodations

HIGHWOOD – People with disabilities will soon be able to take greater advantage of the Watts Recreational Center and its ice skating rink thanks to a $2.5 million investment from the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program supported by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“The Watts Recreational Center has been a staple for many years thanks to its outdoor, lighted skating rinks and more than three acres of land,” Morrison said. “More people will be able to comfortably use this Glencoe gem because of this additional funding.”

The Watts Recreational Center, located within the Glencoe Park District, will receive $2.5 million for renovations and updates to allow the center to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Projects include a new elevator, a secondary entrance, as well as a new multi-purpose room, restrooms and storage. Additionally, support spaces within the ice skating rink will be renovated.

The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs to help build, renovate and improve recreational buildings used by the public, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded. The grant to Glencoe Park District was one of 17 grants awarded across the state this week.

“Fighting for inclusivity for people with disabilities has been one of my top priorities as a state senator, so it’s great to see that by voting for the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program, I was, in part, voting for a more inclusive community,” Morrison said.

A full list of grantees is available on IDNR’s website.

Morrison: As Lake County vaccination site ramps up, make a plan to get your shot

HIGHWOOD – Lake County residents will have an easier time receiving their COVID-19 vaccine thanks to enhanced support from the state, and Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) encourages any person eligible to schedule their shot at the Lake County Fairgrounds vaccination site.

“More workers will allow us to eventually create more vaccination sites, which will lead to more accessible doses for all Lake County residents,” Morrison said. “If you’re eligible, it’s time to make a plan to get your shot.”

The Illinois National Guard was called upon by Governor JB Pritzker to bolster current operations at the Lake County Fairgrounds site. Bringing in the National Guard will allow existing staff to relocate to other parts of the county to assure wider distribution of the vaccine to the communities who need it the most.

The COVID-19 vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds opened earlier this year to help vaccinate as many people as possible. Because of the size of the expo hall, dozens of vehicles can be parked inside while the vaccine is administered to them through their windows. 

To receive a vaccine, people must be registered on the Lake County AllVax system and bring their QR code, which will then be scanned before the vaccine is delivered.

“Health care workers and the Illinois National Guard members who have been supporting the state’s vaccine efforts deserve the utmost appreciation,” Morrison said. “Please, if you are eligible, get your vaccine and thank a health care worker.”

Additionally, any person in Illinois who meets the eligibility criteria can schedule an appointment at a state-supported mass vaccination site by visiting vaccine.cookcounty.il.gov.

Morrison passes legislation to expand dental coverage for people with developmental disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to curb the price of dental care by expanding Medicaid coverage for people with autism and developmental disabilities sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is on its way to be considered by the full Senate. 

“Healthy teeth can help lead to better overall physical health,” Morrison said. “However, not everyone can endure the stressors of the dentist. We must ensure everyone – including people with autism or other developmental disabilities – can receive the care they need.”

Senate Bill 346 addresses dental care services that are either not covered or under-reimbursed by Medicaid. The measure, which is similar to two bills Morrison filed last year before the pandemic, expands coverage of dental care and anesthesia for people with autism or a developmental disability, making those individuals more comfortable when visiting the dentist.

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, because it is difficult for them to get treatment, people with developmental disorders suffer “a high burden of dental disease.” More than 30% of the patients studied suffered from untreated cavities and 80% from serious gum infections.

Additionally, the measure requires Medicaid to cover dental care, including anesthesia, that is provided in a hospital or surgical treatment center for any individual with a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia.

The measure passed the Senate Health Committee Tuesday. It now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.