Morrison’s measure to bring routine dental care to school heads to Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD –To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a bill to allow preventative dental services within schools.

“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 measure, 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 passed the Senate Health Committee Tuesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Morrison commends Biden on ‘red flag’ order

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who passed Illinois’ red flag law in 2018, commends President Joe Biden for his order for the U.S. Department of Justice to publish model red flag laws for other states to use as guides.

She released the following statement Thursday:

“In far too many mass shooting events that have taken place across our state and country, family members and friends of the shooter later identified they had threatening behavior, but the loved one didn’t know where to turn. Or, reports were made to law enforcement but there wasn’t a legal mechanism in place to get the weapon out of the hands of the perpetrator.

“We cannot idly sit back and watch innocent lives be reprehensibly taken in ways that could be halted. I commend President Biden for his broad effort to ensure the country begins to move forward with more comprehensive gun safety measures.”

Morrison to host virtual event with DCFS, Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center

HIGHWOOD – To bring more attention to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ new online reporting system and what signs to look for to protect children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is hosting a webinar next week with DCFS and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center.

“The new online reporting system provides an easier and more efficient way to report child abuse and neglect,” Morrison said. “However, not enough people know how user-friendly the system is or when it should be used. My hope is this informational webinar will teach people about the signs of abuse and neglect, and when to make a report.”

Morrison is hosting a free virtual Lunch and Learn webinar to discuss the DCFS hotline and its new reporting platform. A representative from the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center will also be in attendance to discuss what the organization does and how each person can help make a difference in the lives of the state’s at-risk children.

It will take place Friday, April 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom. The event is the second installment of Morrison’s new Lunch and Learn series – a monthly virtual event to teach Illinoisans more about the work state agencies do and show off the great local attractions Illinois has to offer.

“If the pandemic has done one positive thing, it has showed us how easy it is to connect with each other virtually from the comfort of our homes,” Morrison said. “It has been a pleasure connecting with people from across the state through these events, and I can’t wait to continue to meet and inform more people as the year goes on – even after the pandemic subsides.”

The webinar is free, but registration is required. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/3sImYy0.

Morrison’s voting expansion legislation signed by governor

SPRINGFIELD – Safer, more secure ways to cast ballots will soon permanently be in place across the state, thanks to a measure lead by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“We saw during the November 2020 General Election how many people enjoyed having a more safe, accessible and easier way to vote,” Morrison said. “Just because the pandemic is winding down, doesn’t mean expanded voters’ rights have to. Let’s keep fighting for more inclusive and secure elections.”

 The new law allows election authorities to establish permanent ballot drop boxes to accept vote-by-mail ballots and to accept mailed ballots even if they have insufficient postage.

 Morrison, who championed the state’s vote-by-mail expansion last spring to provide a safer way for people to vote during the pandemic, led the new law over the finish line after hearing from people who were worried about the speed and safety of mailing their ballots. People expressed concerns of potential late delivery, their documents being lost in the mail, and confusion on whether they needed to add postage.

 Local election authorities echoed voters’ concerns, but were in limbo after Morrison’s previous legislation to allow drop boxes expired in 2020. Now, drop boxes are permitted for all future elections.

The measure also allows election authorities to establish curbside voting for individuals to cast a ballot during early voting or Election Day. Curbside voting could help people who with disabilities vote at polling locations that are not as accessible as they should be.

 “Every person in this state deserves equal access to their constitutional right to vote,” Morrison said. “Drop boxes and curbside voting will allow everyone the same opportunity to have their voice heard.”

House Bill 1871 was signed into law Friday. It takes effect immediately.