SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison worked in tandem with local law enforcement officials to help pass a measure that clarifies the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensures smooth implementation of the law.

“I have heard the concerns from law enforcement and legal professionals – as well as community members – about the SAFE-T Act. While I supported the Pretrial Fairness Act, there were a number of items in the original law that needed clarification,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Over several months I talked with local law enforcement and other stakeholders about their concerns and am thankful they had a seat at the table during negotiations on this bill.”

A joint effort, the bill provides clarification to the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. In recent months, a campaign against the law overwhelmed social media and headlines of fake newspapers, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does and leaving law enforcement with a number of questions.

House Bill 1095 clarifies the law by explaining judges can issues warrants and summons, providing a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested, and clarifying court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items. 

“I am pleased we were able to work together to put forth a comprehensive measure that makes the law clearer, makes implementation smoother, and – most importantly – makes communities safer,” said Morrison. “This was a truly collaborative effort that I am proud to support.”

It passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison urges area residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“Every day, our first responders and their families make sacrifices to serve a cause greater than themselves,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We should honor and thank our heroes not just today – but every day.”

First Responders Day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Morrison reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“I will continue to work to ensure our first responders receive the recognition and resources they deserve for their dedication to our communities,” Morrison said. “I urge residents to thank our first responders year round for their endless sacrifices to preserving our safety.” 

Morrison urges residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.

GLENVIEW – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process and how to lower their property tax bill at an upcoming workshop co-hosted by State Senators Julie Morrison and Laura Fine.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the workshop, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Glenview Public Library, located at 1930 Glenview Rd. The workshop will take place in the Community Room East.

“High property taxes are the number one issue I hear about from residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents should consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

Residents are asked to bring their second installment property tax bill to the workshop, and to have their property index number on hand for reference.

"As the property tax appeals process is complex, I appreciate Commissioner Cabonargi’s office for hosting this workshop," Fine said "I am hopeful this workshop will provide residents with useful insight to help them navigate the appeals process."  

For more information about filing an appeal, including online appeal options and filing deadlines, residents can visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.

HIGHWOOD – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Three organizations in Lake County have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Julie Morrison announced Wednesday.

“Prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in our health care realm became even more vital during the pandemic,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I have seen firsthand the need to close health equity gaps in Illinois. The ARISE program is a great step toward improving the health and well-being in our communities that have long suffered care inequities.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Lake County’s Black and Brown Coalition for Health Equity, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, and Islamic Alliance to Advance Health Equity in Lake County are three of the 18 organizations across Illinois awarded funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ARISE intends to support socio-economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities outside of Cook County that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Further, organizations will be able to address enduring health inequities in their communities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The selected ARISE Community Equity Zone communities will engage in a rigorous “learning-and-doing” capacity building program to advance health equity in the short, medium and long term. The community coalitions will address inequities in mental, physical and social well-being in communities that are experiencing the brunt of these disparities by connecting people to vaccinations, food, and other well-being needs. They will also address underlying community needs such as humane housing, reliable transportation, and the root causes of these inequities, including racism and poverty.

“This initiative implements a strategy that will combat preexisting health inequities made worse by the pandemic,” said Morrison. “Through collaborative community efforts, we can put the state on a path toward greater post-pandemic healing.”

To learn more about the ARISE initiative, people can visit www.weintheworld.org/arise-project.