Morrison launches small business tour series

DEERFIELD – To continue to support small businesses struggling to recover from the COVID-19 public health crisis, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is inviting small businesses throughout the 29^th District to participate in her upcoming small business tour series.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and have truly shaped our area into the great place it is today,” Morrison said. “This tour will highlight the businesses that are adapting to these unprecedented times while offering great products and services to residents in the northern suburbs.”

Morrison said she hopes to tour a variety of retail, service and manufacturing businesses.

To request a visit from Senator Morrison, businesses can visit SenatorJulieMorrison.com/SmallBusinessTour. Once the application is received, a member of Morrison’s team will respond with additional details.

People with questions can visit SenatorJulieMorrison.com or call 847-945-5200.

Morrison: Fill out the census today

DEERFIELD – As the deadline to complete the census nears, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is urging people to fill out their 2020 census immediately.

“The census has never been easier to finish, and you can do it without having to meet a census taker in person,” Morrison said. “The answers provided will help support our community.”

The census is safe, secure and confidential. It takes less than 10 minutes, and can easily be done from the comfort of one’s home online, by phone or mail.

The census determines congressional representation, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact communities for the next decade.

Morrison is urging everyone to take the time to fill it out. Some areas in Cook and Lake Counties are reporting low response rates. Without a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be impacted.

Currently, only 75.7% of all Lake County residents have completed the Census. Additionally, just 62.8% of Waukegan residents and 54.1% of North Chicago residents have filled out the form this year.

“Please take time today to help shape the future. Every response matters,” Morrison said.

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov.

Morrison, Carroll blood drive to feature COVID-19 antibody testing

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – To help address the widespread blood shortage that continues during this time of abundant need, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Jonathon Carroll will host a blood drive Sept. 15.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Prospect Heights fire protection building, located at 10 E. Camp McDonald Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers said blood containing these antibodies can treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

“Now more than ever we need to be good neighbors to each other,” Carroll (D-Northbrook) said. “This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to do our part and make sure we have a good supply of blood.”

To schedule a blood donation, people can visit bit.ly/blood-drive-9-15-20. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins can be seen if slots are open.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

Morrison: People 75+ receive one-year expiration extension on driver’s licenses

DEERFIELD – After hearing concerns from older adults in her district that visiting a Secretary of State’s office isn’t safe due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19, State Senator Julie Morrison is pleased to learn people 75 and older will receive a one year expiration extension.

“There are a number of heightened health risks in public for older adults, so it is imperative they don’t feel obligated to do something they aren’t comfortable with,” Morrison said. “To anyone over the age of 75: your driver’s license will not expire this year, so please take advantage of this change.”

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Tuesday that expiration dates for valid driver’s licenses for those 75 years of age or older have been extended one year past the current 2020 expiration date. Any driver over the age of 75 with a 2020 driver’s license expiration date does not need to renew their driver’s license this year.

More than 147,000 drivers are over the age of 75 and with a license expiring in 2020. Each of those adult will receive a letter letting them know they qualify for the extension. The letter should be kept with the driver as further proof of the one-year extension. However, law enforcement agencies both state and nationwide have been notified of the extended expiration dates.

Additionally, Morrison would like to remind other drivers that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1. Expired documents will remain valid until that day, so customers under the age of 75 also do not need to head to a Driver Services facility immediately. To renew license plate stickers and complete other services from the comfort of one’s home, people can visit cyberdriveillinois.com.