Senator Morrison modernizes Deerfield driver’s facility, cutting down wait times

DEERFIELD – As a legislator, it is State Senator Julie Morrison’s top priority to take feedback from the community and turn it in to positive change. Morrison is pleased to announce a new express services lane at the Deerfield driver’s services facility, cutting down long lines and extensive wait times.

“My office gets phone call and emails about completely unacceptable wait times. Renewing your driver’s license or changing your address should not be burdensome,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Secretary Giannoulias and I visited the Deerfield location and saw first-hand just how stressful and agonizing the experience was for the community. These new services will be a major change.”

Morrison and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias toured the Deerfield facility recently. After seeing for themselves the long lines and delays, they knew they had to do something to improve customer experience. Secretary Giannoulias created an express services program, which will allow people to renew or replace a lost driver’s license or ID card or updating their address.

The new express service is available next to the Deerfield facility, 405 Lake Cook Rd. in Deerfield. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“People – especially seniors – should not have to stand in long lines or spend half their day to simply update their driver’s license. Thanks to the new express service program, wait times will be cut exponentially,” said Morrison. “I thank Secretary Giannoulias for his commitment to taking residents’ concerns to heart and making change.”

March 13 - Property Tax Appeal Workshop

Senator Morrison chairs Senate Veterans Affairs Committee

For the first time in years, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee met – this time with State Senator Julie Morrison serving as the chair.

“Every day we benefit from the sacrifices and hard work of our veterans, and I simply cannot thank them enough for what they do,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is our civic duty as elected officials to support these local heroes by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives,"

Morrison will serve as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee throughout the 103^rd General Assembly. Morrison was a steadfast advocate on restarting the committee after hearing from many veterans in the community that they needed an advocate in Springfield. Morrison’s district includes the military facilities of Fort Sheridan and Great Lake Naval Training Base.

The committee will meet regularly throughout the legislative session to discuss matters relating to veterans and how the General Assembly can better provide for them.

“Veterans are forgotten heroes that should be remembered and supported,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “They put their lives on the line for our freedom and safety and deserve the utmost respect and assistance when they return home.”

Morrison vows to preserve funding for DCFS, law enforcement, among other sectors

SPRINGFIELD – For years State Senator Julie Morrison has demanded a fix to the well-documented problems at the Department of Child and Family Services that have led to mistreatment of the state’s most vulnerable population.

On Wednesday, the governor shared Morrison’s concerns, and proposed additional funding for the troubled state agency.

“No state agency has gone through more turmoil over the past decade. While not every problem revolves around funding, many of the Department of Children and Family Services’ high-profile failures come from a lack of resources,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I will work diligently with DCFS to hold them accountable and make sure the additional funding is used appropriately for resources to best help our state's most vulnerable children.” 

Morrison – chair of the Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee – has been a constant advocate for more oversight for DCFS following years of reporting issues, understaffing and mistreatment of children in the system. The additional funding proposed Wednesday 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.

“Many agencies that are tasked with helping and protecting our state’s most vulnerable populations already struggle with too few resources,” Morrison said. “Illinois should be a leader in showing that ever person is valuable and deserve to be treated with human dignity.”

In the months to come, Morrison and her colleagues will negotiate the details of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Aside from more funding for DCFS, Morrison will push for a plan that prioritizes law enforcement, working families, health care employees, and education.

“As we start the budget negotiation process I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a responsible spending plan for the people who call Illinois home,” said Morrison. “I am hopeful this leads us toward a safer and more inclusive state.”