Morrison applauds grants for local school maintenance and infrastructure projects

LAKE FOREST – State Senator Julie Morrison announced Friday that eight school districts in the 29^th Senate district will receive $50,000 each for maintenance and infrastructure projects through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Schools in Lake and Cook County will receive this funding to improve school infrastructure and serve students more effectively,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Well-ventilated classrooms, updated facilities like libraries, and clean and well-lit learning spaces are critical for our students’ health and success.”

School districts in the 29^thDistrict to receive a combined $400,000 for infrastructure improvements include:

• Bannockburn School District 106 - $50,000
• Deerfield School District 109 - $50,000
• Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65 - $50,000
• Lake Forest Community High School District 115 - $50,000
• Lake Forest School District 67 - $50,000
• Northbrook Elementary School District 27 - $50,000
• River Trails School District 26 - $50,000
• Wheeling Community Consolidated School District 21 - $50,000

In the latest announcement, a total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

A full list of grantees and awards can be accessed on the ISBE website.

Senator Morrison visits Washington in an effort to combat gun violence at the national level

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One week ago, State Senator Julie Morrison and hundreds of Highland Park residents ran for their lives as a gunman opened fire on a 4^th of July parade, killing seven and wounding dozens of others.

“As days have passed, each of us in the community have felt pain. In a town of about 30,000 people, almost everyone knows someone who has been affected,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “No matter where you go in the city, you’re reminded of the tragic loss of life. Our town is now on the map with Buffalo, Uvalde and so many other towns across this nation that have been stricken by heinous gun violence in recent months.”

In the days since, Morrison has worked around the clock to bring more awareness to the state’s Red Flag Law – which she championed in 2018 – and discuss potential legislative action – both federally and at the state level – which she believes will put an end to the gun violence epidemic taking place across the nation. On Monday, Morrison was invited to the White House for a ceremony regarding the signing of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

“In today’s America, just as the nation begins to heal from one attack, another ensues. How much longer can we sit back silently and only offer thoughts and prayers without real, tangible solutions,” Morrison said. “We must work together – both at the national and state level – on a solution to end these vicious attacks.”

The law – signed by President Joe Biden – toughens requirements for young people to buy guns, denies firearms to more domestic abusers, and helps local authorities temporarily take weapons from people judged to be dangerous.

Following the recent Highland Park tragedy, Morrison is reminding Illinoisans of the state’s Red Flag Law, which allows family members and law enforcement officials who have concerns that someone is a threat to themselves or others the right to ask a judge to temporarily remove their guns. If a judge grants the restraining order, law enforcement may seize the respondent’s firearms for up to six months and prevent them from purchasing additional weapons during that time period.

“The Red Flag law has the ability to stop mass shootings by temporarily keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others,” Morrison said. “If you are concerned about the behavior of a loved one, I encourage you to contact local law enforcement.”

While Morrison works toward solutions to combat gun violence, she also continues to think and worry about the families impacted by the July 4^th attack. Any person interested in donating to the Highland Park victims and their families can do so through the Highland Park Community Foundation July 4^th Response Fund here.

Senator Morrison: Right to choose should be a basic health care standard

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the nation’s top court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping millions of women across the nation from their right to choose.

“Today’s decision by the nation’s top court is devastating – a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body should be a basic health care standard. By stripping women of that right, women are being told their rights don’t matter – despite it being 2022.

“I am grateful the General Assembly took the necessary precautionary steps years ago to ensure abortion remains legal in Illinois. Yet my heart breaks for the millions of women across the nation whose rights have been taken from them.”

Morrison law provides protection, safety to sexual assault survivors

CHICAGO – Survivors of rape often don’t seek medical care out of fear a parent or abuser could find out. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a newly signed law to provide survivors with greater safety and peace of mind.

“The trauma associated with sexual assault is already profound – the last thing survivors need is the added stress of a lack of privacy and confidentiality,” Morrison said. “This law will allow people to feel more secure in seeking a rape exam.”

Morrison’s law allows sexual assault survivors to access to related health care services free-of-charge for 180 days after their initial medical forensic exam – allowing them to forgo billing their private insurance. Many survivors fear receiving medical help following a sexual assault because they’re worried their insurance policy holder – a parent or spouse, for example – will find out.

Far too often, people in abusive relationships are assaulted by their spouse or guardian, who happens to be the primary insurer. Without a guarantee of confidentiality and fearing insurance records would disclose the exam, many survivors don’t seek assistance.

“Immediate access to medical forensic services is not only key to helping victims of sexual assault and abuse seek justice. Perhaps more importantly, they allow survivors to receive care and access the resources needed to heal physically and emotionally,” Attorney General Raoul said. “I appreciate Sen. Morrison’s efforts in passing this vital legislation that will move Illinois forward in assuring that all survivors have access to the care and support that will help them recover from trauma.”

Senate Bill 3023 was signed into law Thursday.