Morrison reacts to governor’s budget address

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the governor’s Wednesday State of the State and Budget Address:

“The governor’s proposed budget underscores the need to bring resources to Illinoisans who have found themselves in unfathomable situations triggered by the pandemic – and I share those concerns. Now, the General Assembly will review this proposal and pass a budget reflecting our limitations and our state’s effort to recover from the pandemic.

“I am hopeful this can lead us toward a safer and more inclusive Illinois.”

Morrison searches for answers on vaccine distribution frustrations

HIGHWOOD – Stories of clinics not receiving their promised number of COVID-19 vaccines, appointment websites crashing, and people spending the night in their cars hoping to be first in line to get their dose aren’t unheard of. The frequency of these stories – and others – led State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to schedule a Senate hearing on the statewide vaccine distribution plan.

“As the demand for the vaccine has grown, so has anticipation for each of us waiting for the vaccine,” Morrison said. “We’ve been fielding calls from frustrated and frightened constituents who are eligible but can’t find their place in line or get the vaccine.”

At Thursday’s Senate Health Committee – chaired by Morrison – senators brought forth concerns from people who live in districts they represent about issues ranging from how people who are homebound can receive the vaccine to how local communities can plan clinics without more precise numbers on how many doses they will receive.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike helped answer those questions, and said to date, the state has administered more than 1.5 million vaccines – 1.2 million of which were initial doses and more than 300,000 were second doses. She acknowledged there have been challenges, and IDPH will provide more than $25 million in grants to local health departments throughout the state to assist with challenges administering the vaccination.

While Morrison is pleased more people will be able to receive their dose under Phase 1b, she raised concerns about the amount of available vaccine, asking how to make sure people 65 and older won’t be lost in the competitive crowd. Ezike said 25% of that population has been vaccinated and IDPH continues to reach out to ensure no one is left behind.

“I know patience has run thin as people are worried about their safety and the safety of their loved ones, so obviously the limitation of this vaccine is causing some anxiety,” Ezike said. “We will be giving out the vaccine as quickly as we can get it.”

Morrison will continue to work with IDPH, local health departments and other stakeholders to ensure every person eligible for the vaccine can get it in an efficient way. She plans to call another meeting in weeks to come to see if progress has been made.

“It is my wish we can bring light and clarity to the process,” Morrison said. “I hope we can continue to work collaboratively to create a more coordinated and efficient distribution plan.”

Morrison commends governor for adding people with disabilities, pre-existing conditions to Phase 1b of vaccine plan

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is relieved those who are part of the state’s most vulnerable community can start getting vaccinated by the end of the month.

“Many people who have disabilities or pre-existing conditions can be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19,” Morrison said. “We must take care of our most vulnerable people. Those in the developmentally disabled community are presented unique challenges that put their lives in danger each day.”

Morrison commends the governor’s Wednesday decision to allow some people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the current phase of his administration’s distribution plan.

The change to add these communities to the current Phase 1b plan comes after disability rights and advocacy groups raised concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, particularly for persons with disabilities.

People who fall under this category include those with comorbidities or underlying health conditions as defined as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as those with disabilities. That includes, but is not limited to, people with diabetes, cancer and heart conditions.

Morrison encourages Lake and Cook County residents who have a disability or a pre-existing condition to schedule an appointment through the local health department, their health care provider or local pharmacies administering the vaccine.

“Equity within the state’s vaccination plan is key,” Morrison said. “I thank the governor for hearing and acting on the needs of those who are often forgotten. I am so relieved their lives will now be prioritized.” 

People who live or work in Lake County can register on the Lake County AllVax site.

Cook County residents should visit the Cook County Community Vaccination Program site.

Additionally, coronavirus.illinois.gov has a full list of nearby vaccination sites, information on how to make a vaccination appointment, updates on the state’s plan and eligibility, and FAQs.

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Morrison schedules Senate hearing on vaccine rollout, featuring Dr. Ezike

SPRINGFIELD – As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and her colleagues have fielded hundreds of questions and concerns from people across the state about the rollout, leading her to schedule a hearing to help get to the bottom of the confusing process and call for a more comprehensive and timely plan.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the greatest line of defense we have against the pandemic,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, many people across the state who are eligible for the vaccine haven’t been able to get their dose – and that’s disheartening. I hope this hearing will lead us toward a path of greater efficiency.” 

Senator Morrison will be joined by representatives from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Sangamon County Health Department, Chicago Department of Public Health, George Miller Safety Net Hospital, Walgreens and CVS — among others. 

The hearing will focus on frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the rollout and supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. Morrison hopes the conversation will help distribution become more convenient and readily available.

WHO: Senate Health Committee, IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, local health departments and pharmacies that administer the vaccine

WHAT: Subject matter hearing on COVID-19 vaccine

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11 at noon

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at noon.