Routine dental care could come to schools under Morrison law

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11, and about 13% of those between 12 and 19, have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who have poor oral health also often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

“The best way to keep teeth healthy is through preventative dental care – but not every person has the means to go the dentist routinely,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 346 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Morrison speaks out on enhanced DCFS training for LGBTQ youth in care

HIGHWOOD – Following recent findings that the Illinois Department of Children and Family was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care, the agency announced Tuesday it is enhancing its LGBTQ training and resources. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is calling on the department to adhere to its policies to ensure all children feel safe and heard.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles,” Morrison said. “I am hopeful under the enhanced training DCFS will work more diligently to respect LGBTQ children’s identities and prioritize the care they need.”

To meet the needs of LGBTQ youth in care, DCFS said it will expand its network of gender-affirming therapists, service providers, health care professionals, agencies and organizations across the state. It also plans to launch enhanced required LGBTQ training for staff, private agency partners and foster caregivers this summer.

The increased training and services comes after an auditor general investigation that looked into how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. The audit found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

Morrison – who previously passed a resolution calling for the audit – immediately urged a change in training and policies at the agency.

“We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and support their authentic selves,” Morrison said.

LGBTQ youth in care, foster and adoptive parents, and child welfare staff may call the department’s LGBTQ Helpline at 855-814-8421 for assistance and answers to questions about their rights, available services and resources, and upcoming training opportunities.

Morrison: New election law will encourage more voters to participate

SPRINGFIELD – Following the success of State Senator Julie Morrison’s law to provide more efficient ways for people to cast their ballot from home during the peak of the pandemic, a new proposal to make voting by mail permanently more accessible was signed into law.

“The COVID-19 demonstrated the interest and efficiency of voting by mail,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This becomes a permanent change that will encourage more voters to participate in the election process.” 

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison successfully championed a law to mail a 2020 General Election vote-by-mail application to every person who voted during the previous two years. In response, one of every three votes cast during the election was cast via a mail ballot. 

The law expands upon Morrison’s previous voting rights progress by allowing voters to request to be added to a list to permanently receive vote-by-mail ballots for all future elections. Voters who are added to the permanent vote-by-mail list will remain on the list unless requested to be removed or the election authority receives confirmation the voter has registered in another county. 

Additionally under the newly signed law, people with disabilities would be able to independently and privately fill out ballots using assistive technology – a provision originally led by Morrison.

“Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issues,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 825 was signed by the governor Thursday. It takes effect immediately.

Senator Morrison vows to keep fighting for clean energy plan

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate left Springfield without voting on a clean energy plan Wednesday:

“I’m disappointed the Senate didn’t come together to pass a clear, comprehensive clean energy measure that will help fight climate change. I have talked to so many people across the community who share my concerns regarding the future of our environment. I hear you and see you.

“I have fought for a just and equitable transition to clean energy for years – and yesterday was simply just another obstacle to overcome. We must pass a measure that transitions Illinois to 100% renewable energy — and we must plot that timeline now.”