Morrison: 19 businesses in 29th District received help, but more should apply

DEERFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased to learn 19 businesses in the district she represents have received financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and she is encouraging more to apply.

“Small business owners have been some of the people hardest hit by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Morrison said. “These funds will help them keep their doors open and their employees paid while keeping the community safe.”

Nearly 20 businesses in the district Morrison represents received a combined $700,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants last week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“Although these grants are extremely helpful, nothing beats support of the local community,” Morrison said. “I encourage people to continue to shop at their local small businesses, especially when shopping for the holidays.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.

Morrison urges people to get tested for COVID-19, shop small

DEERFIELD – As the district State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) represents begins to see increased COVID-19 restrictions, she is urging people to get tested for the virus and support small businesses.

“If we pull together and continue to do simple tasks like wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, we can once again slow the spread,” Morrison said. “We’ve proven in the past that following these rules works, so let’s not stop now.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that resurgence restrictions will be put into place at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 for Region 9 – which is Lake and McHenry County. Mitigation measures include no indoor service at bars and restaurants, required reservations for each party, and social gatherings limited to 25 people or 25% of overall room capacity.

Morrison also represents portions of Region 10, which began the same restrictions Wednesday.

To help alleviate further spread of the virus, Morrison is encouraging anyone – regardless of symptom or exposure – to take advantage of a number of additional free COVID-19 testing sites coming to the area, including two this weekend. People can get tested Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Libertyville High School, located at 708 W. Park Ave., or Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Deerfield High School, located at 1959 Waukegan Rd.

Additionally, she is encouraging people to support small businesses that may be struggling during this time. Supporting local businesses, however, doesn’t just mean going to brick and mortar stores. Residents can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carry out from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend. For every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays in the community.

“Small businesses help us. Now it’s time for us to help them,” Morrison said. “As you start your holiday shopping, I encourage you to consider the many small, local businesses that make our community such a vibrant place to live.”

Morrison: Every child in the DCFS system deserves the same care, regardless of ZIP code

DEERFIELD – Nearly two months after thousands of children under the Department of Children and Family Service’s care were transitioned to a new health care program, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) led a hearing to discuss how the transition went and what changes still need to be made to the program.

“While I’m pleased thousands of children have received better care, more must be done to make sure every child in the DCFS system receives adequate health care regardless of ZIP code or family background,” Morrison said. “Foster families have already sacrificed so much to take care of our state’s most vulnerable children. They shouldn’t have to consider uprooting their families to find local, quality care.”

The hearing comes after more than 19,000 foster children transitioned to the new Medicaid managed care program – YouthCare – in September, following nearly a year of delays. People who were formerly in the care of the state’s foster program were transitioned to the new health care program in February, but the transition for current foster children was put on pause in an effort for them to receive a smooth transition.

Youth were transitioned into managed care to improve their health care through coordination and better continuity of care. A number of benefits outlined by the state agency include the network being more than three times larger than the former provider, more help for families navigating the health care system and a health care coordinator being assigned to each child.

However, following September’s roll out, concerns were raised after some families were forced to find new providers, leaving them frustrated as they waited for answers and their children were without care. Additionally, a number of families who live in more rural areas have struggled to find in-network providers near their homes, causing them to drive up to three hours to get their children the care they need. 

“Today’s hearing was the first step toward tackling issues with YouthCare in an effort to make sure every child gets the care they need and deserve,” Morrison said. “Together, through communication and a willingness to put children’s health first, Illinois can soon have some of the most robust care for children in need.”

Morrison named Legislator of the Year for human services work

DEERFIELD – To honor State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) for championing legislation that established the Disabled Workers Trainee Program, the Illinois Department of Human Rights named her the Interagency Committee for Employees with Disabilities Legislator of the Year.

“I’m just happy I was able to make a difference in the lives of people who already face greater challenges than the average person,” Morrison said. “However, I’m grateful for this honor and for all the hard work the Department of Human Rights does to protect the people of Illinois from discrimination.”

The Legislator of the Year award honors a legislator who has been instrumental in supporting public policy promoting the values of the committee and the rights of people with disabilities. The committee voted to select Morrison for this year’s award due to her efforts in spearheading and passing Senate Bill 726, which established the Disabled Workers Trainee Program. The program helps people with disabilities pursuing state employment by providing them with testing assistance.

“I firmly believe the state should be a leader in helping people who have traditionally faced discrimination, including people with disabilities and Black and Brown Illinois residents,” Morrison said. “I hope that private businesses will follow our lead and give people with disabilities a little extra help and consideration when they’re applying for jobs.”

Morrison will accept the award Thursday afternoon during a virtual ceremony.