Morrison resolution names September 2024 as River Clean up

SPRINGFIELD – Tons of trash and debris are dumped annually into Illinois rivers, negatively impacting wildlife and damaging both the aesthetic and biological qualities of the rivers. State Senator Julie Morrison passed a resolution to name September 2024 as River Clean Up Month to encourage Illinoisans to promote clean-up efforts across the state. 

“Illinois contains more miles of rivers than any other state east of the Mississippi River,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is imperative that we keep our rivers clean not only for the ecosystem, but also so we can continue to enjoy the many activities the rivers provide.”

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Morrison resolution encourages high school students’ civic engagement

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a resolution to encourage election authorities to sign eligible students up to serve as deputy registrars. 

“Increasing civic engagement and creating more informed young citizens will have a positive impact on them and on Illinois,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s important for young people to have a say on things that will affect their future.”

Senate Resolution 532 urges election authorities to conduct outreach and training to qualified high school students to serve as deputy registrars. Deputy registrars are appointed by a county clerk to register eligible individuals to vote. Individuals who are at least 17 years old can serve as deputy registrars.

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Morrison leads measure to make vote by mail more accessible for seniors, veterans

SPRINGFIELD – Building off her efforts to make voting more accessible, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading a measure to help people in veterans’ homes, nursing homes, and hospitals cast their ballots in a safe, secure way.

“Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a pressing issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Increasing opportunities for voters with disabilities, many of whom are veterans, to utilize vote by mail will have a positive impact on their participation.”

House Bill 4488, among other things, would allow election authorities to deliver vote by mail ballots to voters who live in veterans’ and nursing homes, hospitals and mental health facilities, in addition to the authorities' preexisting ability to administer supervised, on-site voting. This vote by mail initiative is just one part of a bigger package of proposals to increase voting accessibility and make elections more transparent.

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Morrison measure to improve diversity of clinical cancer trials passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to bring more diversity to clinical cancer trials.

“Better representation in clinical trials will improve progress and innovation in cancer care and mitigate some inequities that currently exist in health care,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

House Bill 5405 would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to work with the University of Illinois and other relevant organizations to conduct a study examining what demographics are currently underrepresented in clinical trials, identify barriers to participation and pinpoint ways to improve upon outreach to these communities. IDPH would report the findings of this study to the General Assembly by July 1, 2026.

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