Morrison fights against property tax increases

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure Wednesday to streamline the property tax appeals process by ensuring taxpayers are given at least 30 business days to appeal their bill.

“High, burdensome property taxes are one of the top issues I hear about from local residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “North suburban homeowners, in particular, have been blindsided by the biggest property tax increase in 30 years. We need to take action to stand up for our Cook County homeowners and make the appeals process more transparent and consistent.”

Senate Bill 1988 requires the Cook County Assessor to continue accepting appeals from a taxpayer for at least 30 business days after the date the increased property assessment was mailed or published on the assessor’s website.

The Cook County Assessor’s filing deadlines for taxpayer complaints can change from year to year and, in practice, from township to township. While the assessor’s office this year established a deadline of 30 calendar days for filing complaints, the available business days for filing were different in each township. In one township this year, the filing period was open from July 1 to Aug. 2—encompassing one holiday and 10 weekends, leaving only 19 business days available for filing. In another township, the filing period was open from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1—encompassing eight holidays and leaving 22 business days available for filing.

The Morrison-backed measure would establish uniform filing periods to ensure homeowners have adequate time to address their complaints to the assessor. The measure comes just weeks after millions of homeowners in Cook County saw their bill increase by 15.7%.

“When we hear concerns from taxpayers, it is our jobs as legislators to take that concern and turn it into tangible action,” said Morrison. “While I am pleased we took a stand for Cook County taxpayers, it is also clear that much more is needed to bring down the property tax burden.”

Senate Bill 1988 passed both chambers of the General Assembly and heads to the governor for final consideration.

Senator Morrison instrumental in economic development, job creation brought forth by new Glenview manufacturing facility

GLENVIEW – Thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s steadfast advocacy to prioritize job creation and economic development, UPSIDE Foods – a nationwide business – is coming to Glenview.

“I enthusiastically welcome this new facility, which is a significant investment to our community. It underscores our commitment to technology, innovation and business development,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “UPSIDE Foods’ decision to open a facility in Glenview highlights the area’s strategic location for its pro-innovation business environment and skilled workforce.”

The 175,000 square foot facility, based in Glenview, will start by producing ground cultivated chicken products, with plans to expand to other species and whole-textured formats in the future. Upon its opening, 75 jobs will be created across warehousing, logistics, bioprocessing, food production, and other commercial functions.

Morrison was instrumental in bringing UPSIDE Foods to Glenview alongside Governor JB Pritzker. The company said it was drawn by the region's esteemed legacy in meat production, a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, and strategic geographical advantages.

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Morrison to co-host series of tax appeals workshops

DEERFIELD – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process at a series of upcoming workshops presented by West Deerfield Township Assessor Andrew Richter in cooperation with State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Bob Morgan.

“High property taxes are one of the top issues I hear about from constituents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents may want to consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

The workshops presented by West Deerfield Township Assessor Andrew Richter will be held at:

• Deerfield Public Library
  • Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 12 at 1 p.m.
  • Monday, September 18 at 7 p.m.
• Highland Park Police Station
  • Monday, September 11 at 6 p.m.
• Dickinson Hall – Lake Forest
  • Tuesday, September 19 at 2 p.m.

Registration is not required. For further information please contact the township assessor's office at 847-945-3020 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Morrison hosts mobile Secretary of State event

HIGHLAND PARK – State Senator Julie Morrison is hosting a mobile Secretary of State event in Highland Park, which will give area residents the opportunity to access some Secretary of State services at a location in the community, rather than visiting a Secretary of State facility.

“The Mobile Unit makes it easier for some to receive necessary services at a convenient location,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Spots are very limited, so make an appointment today.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, located at 1207 Park Ave. W. in Highland Park.  Appointments are required and limited to 40 and must be made by calling Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200. Walk-ins are not guaranteed service.

The ability to apply for a first-time Real ID at mobile events was recently added to the list of services available through the Mobile Unit. Other services that will be available are

• Driver’s Licenses (Renewal, Duplicate, Corrected)
• State ID Cards (First Time, Renewal, Duplicate, Corrected) (no fee for ages 65 and older.)
• Vehicle Registration Stickers (expiring within the current year)
• Organ and Tissue Donor/Voter Registration with License or ID Application. (Not available as a standalone service)

Proper documentation must be provided in order for Mobile Unit staff to accept license and ID applications for processing. A chart of acceptable documents may be found at https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf

Accepted forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover Credit, and Debit cards. Personal check or money for the exact amount due for services dated on the date of the transaction.

No written or road exams will be administered. Drivers aged 78 and older will need to visit a Secretary of State facility to renew their driver’s license.