Morrison commends governor for adding people with disabilities, pre-existing conditions to Phase 1b of vaccine plan

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is relieved those who are part of the state’s most vulnerable community can start getting vaccinated by the end of the month.

“Many people who have disabilities or pre-existing conditions can be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19,” Morrison said. “We must take care of our most vulnerable people. Those in the developmentally disabled community are presented unique challenges that put their lives in danger each day.”

Morrison commends the governor’s Wednesday decision to allow some people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the current phase of his administration’s distribution plan.

The change to add these communities to the current Phase 1b plan comes after disability rights and advocacy groups raised concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process, particularly for persons with disabilities.

People who fall under this category include those with comorbidities or underlying health conditions as defined as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as those with disabilities. That includes, but is not limited to, people with diabetes, cancer and heart conditions.

Morrison encourages Lake and Cook County residents who have a disability or a pre-existing condition to schedule an appointment through the local health department, their health care provider or local pharmacies administering the vaccine.

“Equity within the state’s vaccination plan is key,” Morrison said. “I thank the governor for hearing and acting on the needs of those who are often forgotten. I am so relieved their lives will now be prioritized.” 

People who live or work in Lake County can register on the Lake County AllVax site.

Cook County residents should visit the Cook County Community Vaccination Program site.

Additionally, coronavirus.illinois.gov has a full list of nearby vaccination sites, information on how to make a vaccination appointment, updates on the state’s plan and eligibility, and FAQs.

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Morrison schedules Senate hearing on vaccine rollout, featuring Dr. Ezike

SPRINGFIELD – As COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and her colleagues have fielded hundreds of questions and concerns from people across the state about the rollout, leading her to schedule a hearing to help get to the bottom of the confusing process and call for a more comprehensive and timely plan.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the greatest line of defense we have against the pandemic,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, many people across the state who are eligible for the vaccine haven’t been able to get their dose – and that’s disheartening. I hope this hearing will lead us toward a path of greater efficiency.” 

Senator Morrison will be joined by representatives from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Sangamon County Health Department, Chicago Department of Public Health, George Miller Safety Net Hospital, Walgreens and CVS — among others. 

The hearing will focus on frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the rollout and supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. Morrison hopes the conversation will help distribution become more convenient and readily available.

WHO: Senate Health Committee, IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, local health departments and pharmacies that administer the vaccine

WHAT: Subject matter hearing on COVID-19 vaccine

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 11 at noon

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at noon.

Morrison highlights DCFS scholarship opportunity for youth in care

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D- Lake Forest) is urging current and former youth under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2021 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“Furthering education can open so many doors for children, especially our most vulnerable youth,” said Morrison, who has been a steadfast advocate for funding and resources for DCFS. “This scholarship opportunity can give students the tools they need to succeed in higher education, so I urge anyone who can to apply.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship, or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply. The program will award 53 academic scholarships in total.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on their scholastic record, community and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a written personal statement. Recipients will receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $1,235 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“This scholarship can alleviate the stress many students feel when transitioning into college, and allow students to focus on their education instead of worrying about how they will be able to pay for school,” Morrison said.

Applications are due by March 31. More information and the application are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website under DCFS Features on the homepage.

Students or caregivers may also call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 with questions about the application process or for more information.

Morrison named Majority Caucus Whip

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is honored to be named majority caucus whip and to serve as chair of the Health Committee during the 102nd General Assembly. 

“Senate President Don Harmon has led our caucus — and the entire Senate — with immense poise and leadership,” Morrison said. “I am honored he trusts me to serve as the majority caucus whip.”

Senator Morrison has served in the Illinois General Assembly since 2012 — but this is the first year she’s served in leadership. 

Morrison is also pleased to chair the Health Committee. She previously served as chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and sat on the local government, environment and conservation, public health, oversight Medicaid managed care, and transportation committees. 

“My number one passion is ensuring all people are valued and treated with human dignity,” Morrison said. “Through the position as Health Committee Chair, I am able to help protect and empower our state’s most vulnerable populations, who already struggle with too few resources.”