Morrison law to increase veteran benefits

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led the effort on the passage of a new law to expand property tax relief by allowing more veterans to qualify for the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption.

“This law is one way of honoring the sacrifices veterans and their families have made,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. “I will continue to champion the needs of this group of brave individuals.”

Under the new law, disabled veterans of World War II can receive a 100% reduction in their home’s assessed value – leading to a $0 property tax bill. Additionally, it will allow disabled veterans who receive disability compensation at 70% or more, and the surviving spouses of veterans whose deaths were service-connected, to qualify for the exemption of the first $250,000 of their home’s assessed value.

"Veterans disabled in the line of duty have already given so much to our country," said Andrew Tangen, president of the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions. "Receiving the benefits delivered through this legislation in a uniform way across the state is an important step for the legislature to make to recognize our veteran community for all they have sacrificed."  

House Bill 612 was signed into law Monday and takes effect immediately.

Morrison commends U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gun control law

LAKE FOREST – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who passed Illinois’ “red flag” law in 2018, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal gun control law intended to protect survivors of domestic violence:

“Today’s ruling recognizes the critical importance of protecting victims of domestic violence by affirming the legal ability to restrict the possession of firearms by individuals subject to domestic violence orders. This decision reinforces the intent behind laws like Illinois’ Firearms Restraining Order Act, which I championed to prevent tragedies by keeping guns out of the hands of people who demonstrate threatening behavior.

“When a credible threat to the physical safety of another person is identified, it is imperative that action is taken swiftly — the consequences of not intervening are too great.

“I commend the U.S. Supreme Court for upholding these lifesaving protections, and I remain committed to advocating for tangible solutions to keep our communities safe.”

Morrison prioritizes public health, safety during spring legislative session

SPRINGFIELD – The General Assembly accomplished a great deal this spring legislative session. State Senator Julie Morrison supported a budget and subsequent legislative efforts to prioritize public health and safety.  

“I was proud to vote for a smart, balanced budget focused on public health,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By prioritizing health care, delta-8 regulation and mitigating the effects of climate change, our state is making an effort to support the continued wellness of all Illinois residents.”

Alongside the budget, Morrison also supported a number of measures during the last week of session to prioritize people’s health and safety.

The General Assembly worked together to pass legislation which reforms insurance and supports consumers. Morrison’s initiative, Senate Bill 2697, was a massive win for increasing cancer screening and genetic testing. House Bill 5643 secured coverage for at-home pregnancy tests while House Bill 5087 made physical therapy available via telehealth.

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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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