Morrison’s measure to bring routine dental care to schools heads to House

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) has passed a measure 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 Wednesday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

Morrison measure creates fertility coverage disclosure

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is leading a measure to eliminate infertility treatment barriers posed by a lack of disclosure in health insurance plans.

“Infertility is a difficult diagnosis for a family to receive,” Morrison said. “They may assume treatment will be covered, only to find out their insurance plan was written in another state and out-of-pocket costs will be substantial.”

Senate Bill 1905 – which passed through the Senate Labor Committee Wednesday – would create the Family and Fertility Disclosure in Health Insurance Act. Under the measure, if an employer’s health insurance coverage is not written within Illinois, the insurance company must disclose a written list of services that are and are not covered.

Under current Illinois law, fertility treatment – including IVF – is required to be covered, but that’s only for policies written within the state. Women could assume they have this coverage because they work in Illinois, only to later learn their plan was written out of state. The legislation will disclose what treatment is available up front, so families aren’t blindsided in an already stressful situation.

“We should ensure families know if they will receive the coverage they so desperately long for,” Morrison said.

The measure now heads to the full Senate for further consideration

Morrison calls for more restrictions on pesticide use near school

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to protect children from the harmful effects of pesticides passed the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday.

“Children are at higher risk for health effects from exposure to pesticides than adults because their nervous, immune, digestive and other systems are still developing, making them far less able to purge these pollutants compared to adults,” Morrison said.

The legislation would make it illegal to use restricted pesticides within 500 feet of a school during normal school hours when children are present. It comes following complaints that pesticides such as Dicamba and Chlorpyrifos can be harmful to both the environment and public health.

Senate Bill 2245 now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Morrison: We must increase the number of living organ donors in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a bill that creates an organ donation tax credit for private employers.

“Organ donors transform lives and reshape futures through selfless acts,” Morrison said. “I’m hopeful this measure will encourage more people to participate in the generous act they feel they have been called to do.”

The measure creates an optional organ donation tax credit for private employers. The credit is applicable if the employer allows its employees the option to take paid leave of absence for a minimum of 30 days for serving as an organ or bone marrow donor.

Employers can receive a credit equal to the amount of withholding payments due with respect to wages paid while an employee is on leave. That amount, however, cannot exceed $1,000 for each employee who takes an organ donation leave.

In 2018, 3,402 people in Illinois were candidates for a kidney transplant, but by the end of the year, only 798 people received a transplant. Encouraging living donors is key toward ensuring more people who need the lifesaving surgery receive it.

“Would-be donors face many challenges and barriers that keep them from giving a lifesaving gift,” Morrison said. “We must do all we can to increase the number of living donors in Illinois – and this is a great first step.”

More than a dozen states already have organ or bone marrow donor leave policies.

Senate Bill 1918 passed the Senate Revenue Committee Wednesday. It now heads to the floor for further consideration.