Morrison commends Michigan’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes, urges Illinois to follow suit

• Tobacco 21
• Public Health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) responded this morning to news that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued emergency rules banning flavored e-cigarettes and their marketing to youth:

“Today’s emergency ruling by Michigan Gov. Whitmer highlights the real dangers of e-cigarette use. Just a few weeks ago, an Illinois resident was the first to die from a mysterious lung illness linked to vaping. These products are dangerous and are being intentionally marketed to our youth with the addition of candy-like flavorings.

“I commend Michigan’s governor for acting to protect the health of her residents and I urge Gov. Pritzker to do the same. The health of our teens and young adults is too important to fail to act.”

Gov. Whitmer’s order prohibits the online and retail sale of flavored nicotine products in Michigan and will take effect as soon as the health departure issues rules in the next 30 days.

In July, Illinois Gov. Pritzker signed Morrison’s legislation making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to institute Tobacco 21, raising the age to purchase e-cigarette and tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Read more here on today’s announcement

DCFS reform package signed into law

• DCFS
• State Government
• SB 1778
• Child Safety
• SB 193
• SB 1239
• HB 1551

SPRINGFIELD – A package of proposals passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) reforming the troubled Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) agency was signed into law recently by Gov. Pritzker.

One of the most sweeping proposals signed is Senate Bill 1778, a proposal Morrison worked with advocates and fellow lawmakers on for years to update the confusing set of state rules governing reporting of child abuse in Illinois.

“The first step in addressing potential child abuse is the reporting of that behavior,” Morrison said. “If the abuse is not being reported – or if individuals don’t know the signs of abuse or who to even report to – the entire system is in jeopardy of not working, leaving abused children in dangerous situations.”

Read more …

Morrison law protects children from secondhand smoke

• Health
• Child Safety
• HB 2276

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is joining a growing list of states moving to protect children from secondhand smoke in cars after a proposal passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Pritzker.

“Confined spaces with little to no ventilation only amplify the dangerous effects of tobacco use on minors,” Morrison said. “Over the last several decades, our understanding of the serious health effects of secondhand smoke have dramatically increased, and it’s time our laws reflect this reality.”

Morrison’s new law, contained in House Bill 2276, prohibits an individual from smoking in a car with a minor present. Violating this law is a petty offense, with first time penalties not exceeding $100.

Read more …

Morrison: Illinois should be a leader in employment for individuals with disabilities

• Developmental Disabilities
• SB 190
• Job Creation
• SB 726
• SB 1136

SPRINGFIELD – A package of proposals by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) aimed at increasing state employment of individuals with disabilities has been signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.

“Having a job means having dignity, independence and purpose, regardless of whether or not an individual has a disability,” Morrison said. “The State of Illinois should be a leader in showing that individuals with disabilities are just as capable in the workplace and have a valued role in contributing to our state and our economy.”

Morrison – who is chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus – passed the series of measures to help break down the barriers to employment individuals with disabilities face.

Read more …