Senator Morrison announces free tax assistance

SPRINGFIELD – The deadline to file taxes is around the corner and State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is urging people in need of financial assistance and the elderly to take advantage of free tax preparation programs.

“Tax season can be stressful, especially for people who cannot afford to have their taxes filed by a professional,” Morrison said. “The free programs will give people the peace of mind to know their taxes were done accurately, without worrying about paying hundreds of dollars for the service.”

A number of communities in the north suburbs have opportunities for free tax preparation for elderly and low income families.

Every Friday from now until April 10, eligible people can get their taxes prepared and filed for free at the Deerfield Turner Center, located at 375 Elm Street. You must make an appointment by calling 847-940-4010.

Moraine Township is also hosting free tax filing for those with household incomes of $55,000 or less. Call 847-780-6644 to schedule an appointment.

There are dozens of other areas in the community that offer similar assistance. AARP’s Foundation Tax-Aide program – which is open to non-members – helps those with low-to-moderate income with their taxes. Locations for the program can be found here.

Additionally, the IRS offers income tax assistance and tax counseling for individuals making $56,000 or less, people with disabilities, taxpayers who speak limited English and individuals 60 years of age or older. To find a location, click here.

Federal and state income taxes must be filed by April 15.

EpiPens for all one step closer to becoming reality

SPRINGFIELD – The price of EpiPens has greatly increased over the years, causing people with certain allergies to forgo purchasing the life-saving medication. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) strives to offset the burdensome cost by requiring insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

“With increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, people are relying on EpiPens more than ever,” Morrison said. “Nobody with a serious allergy should go without an epinephrine injector simply because they cannot afford one.”

Senate Bill 2457 – sponsored by Morrison – requires insurers to cover medically necessary EpiPens for all people – regardless of age.

In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors – also known by the brand name of EpiPens – for minors. However, she wants to take the law one step further by removing the age limitation.

Epinephrine injectors deliver the drug epinephrine to individuals experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Epinephrine works by narrowing blood vessels and opening lung airways, reversing the symptoms of an allergic reaction that, if left untreated, can cause death.

 “People are dying because they can’t afford EpiPens,” Morrison said. “We must do everything we can to make sure it’s affordable.”

The measure passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Morrison honors victims of Milwaukee shooting

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) took a moment to rise on the Senate floor Thursday to honor and recognize the victims of Wednesday’s shooting at the Molson Coors plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Morrison asked the body to take a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragedy.

Below are the senator’s floor remarks:

“Yesterday, five people tragically lost their lives in Milwaukee after a man opened fire on the Molson Coors plant before turning the gun on himself.

“Such violence is senseless. Six families went to bed last night mourning the loss of a loved one. Those families, and all the families who have lost someone to gun violence, need us right now.

“We can all recognize these tragic events are happening far too regularly. No one should have to fear for their safety when they go to school, the grocery store or even work. When will we have enough?”

“I ask that you please stand silently for a moment of reflection and respect. Words do not adequately express the tremendous grief I feel as I have to make this speech once again.”

Morrison urges plans for hazardous substance threats in schools

SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of trains carrying volatile crude oil roll through Illinois every day, many of which pass by schools. One derailment could lead to the sickness or death of students and teachers.

Most local communities already have a plan on how to handle these situations, but State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is urging those plans to be communicated with the school districts.

“There are rail systems throughout the state and there are schools in proximity to those,” Morrison said. “This resolution encourages school districts to be participants in planning of emergency management.”

Senate Resolution 982, which passed the Senate Wednesday, urges local emergency response planning officials to partner with schools to provide information about safety threats related to the storage and transport of hazardous substances.

The resolution also calls on local emergency planning officials to develop and implement oil spill response plans to share with the school districts.

Even without derailing, spilling or exploding, being in close proximity to oil trains poses a serious health risk, with increasing rates in cancer, asthma and cardiovascular disease.

“There is a known health risk employees and residents face when being in close proximity to oil trains for a long amount of time, which is accelerated when a spill occurs,” Morrison said. “Schools should have a plan to deal with potential spills that could cause long-term injury, sickness or death.”