Morrison to host town hall meeting with local legislators

A few of my colleagues and I are hosting a town hall meeting Tuesday, January 21 at the Northbrook Public Library.

The event is an opportunity for you to learn about our goals for the upcoming legislative session and ask any questions you may have.

It is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by visiting northbrooktownhall.eventbrite.com.

Check out the flyer below to learn more.

Morrison responds to sexual assault cover-up

SPRINGFIELD –In response to a disturbing report that a former lobbyist attempted to cover-up sexual assault to leverage a friend’s upcoming disciplinary hearing, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) released the following statement:

“These actions by government officials are disheartening and cannot continue to happen. The facts of the WBEZ investigation once again prove the serious issue of sexual harassment and assault in Illinois politics. When public officials do wrong, they should not be shielded from authoritative action.”

Senator Morrison’s statement comes after a WBEZ article showed officials within former-Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration sent an email in 2012 referencing someone keeping “the rape in Champaign” quiet.

The senator asks anyone with information to contact the following:
• Champaign County State’s Attorney, 217-384-3733
• Illinois State Police, 217-278-5000
• Illinois Executive Inspector General, 312-814-5600

Morrison: Individuals with disabilities have a valued role in contributing to our state

SPRINGFIELD – People with disabilities can often face barriers when looking for employment. However, Illinois continues to lead by example to break down those barriers.

Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) passed legislation that will require the state to facilitate the hiring of individuals with disabilities.

"Having a job means having dignity, independence and purpose, regardless of whether an individual has a disability," Morrison said. "The state of Illinois should be a leader in showing that individuals with disabilities are just as capable in the workplace and have a valued role in contributing to our state and our economy."

The measure – which passed without opposition in the spring – aims to make state jobs more accessible for individuals with disabilities. The Department of Central Management Services will be required to send the Successful Disability Opportunities List to any agency that is hiring.

The Success Disability Opportunities Program helps guide people with disabilities through the Illinois hiring process. Once a person qualifies for the program and successfully passes a test, they will be on the SDO list for a year. The list will now be distributed to hiring agencies when a list of potential hires is requested.

Senate Bill 190 takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Morrison’s burial benefits law takes effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police Trooper Christopher Lambert, a Highland Park resident, was killed in January when he was struck by a speeding motorist while assisting with a traffic stop. As his family mourned the loss, they endured additional stress due to the burdensome cost of burial.

That led State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) to spearhead a measure to increase burial benefits for fallen first responders from $10,000 to $20,000.

"Law enforcement and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us," Sen. Morrison said. "The least we can do for those fallen officers or firefighters is ensure their families aren’t left worrying how they’ll afford to bury their loved one."

Currently, the state burial benefit for firefighters, state police officers or local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty is $10,000. The senator’s new law will increase that benefit to $20,000, acknowledging the ever-increasing costs associated with burials. Neither the benefit for state police officers nor the benefit for local law enforcement officers and firefighters has been raised since its creation in the late 1990s.

House Bill 2028, which passed the General Assembly without opposition, takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.