DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison commends the Illinois attorney general for standing up for Cook and Lake Counties after the announcement of a landmark settlement requiring Monsanto to pay $120 million for polychlorinated biphenyl – also known as PCB – contamination to the region.

“This settlement represents a critical step toward environmental justice for Illinois families who have lived with the consequences of corporate negligence for far too long,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “For decades, Monsanto produced and disposed of dangerous chemicals while denying their devastating health impacts. This agreement holds them accountable and secures vital funding to protect our communities and natural resources.”

The settlement resolves a 2022 lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Raoul alleging that Monsanto officials knew PCBs posed serious health and environmental risks even as they denied those dangers publicly. PCBs, banned in 1979 due to their high toxicity, are believed to cause cancer and multiple other illnesses and do not break down easily in the environment.

Under the agreement, Glencoe, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, North Chicago, Winnetka, and a number of other communities will receive $80 million collectively, with an additional $40 million or more to be determined by further legal action. The settlement funds must be used strategically to address contamination, support affected communities, and prevent future environmental disasters.

“While no amount of money can undo the health impacts suffered by families exposed to these carcinogens, this settlement will help provide meaningful resources for cleanup, monitoring and community health initiatives," said Morrison. "I commend Attorney General Raoul for his persistent pursuit of justice and his commitment to protecting Illinois residents and our natural environment.”

Morrison has been instrumental in protecting environmental health risks, most recently leading House Bill 2516 – a law to ban intentionally added PFAS from seven categories of products sold and distributed in the state, including cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, children’s items, menstrual products, intimate apparel and food packaging. She is hopeful the Monsanto settlement is just the start, and momentum is gained to hold companies accountable for manufacturing other harmful chemicals – such as PFAS.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison is encouraging residents to participate in her holiday giving drive for veterans by either donating items or volunteering to make fleece blankets.

“The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our shared commitment and gratitude to those who have served our country,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

The donation drive and blanket-making event will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highland Park Police Station Training Room, 1677 Old Deerfield Rd. in Highland Park. Morrison will be collecting new blankets, non-perishable food items, and new board games, puzzles, and playing cards to donate to Midwest Veterans Closet. The organization provides free clothing and food for veterans and service members in the community.

Those who would like to volunteer their time can join Morrison to tie together warm blankets to donate. The Senator’s office will provide no-sew fleece blanket kits. Individuals or community organizations who wish to participate in blanket making are encouraged to sign up here.

Any questions can be directed to the Senator’s office at 847-945-5200.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Saturday, November 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Families throughout our state depend on this assistance for basic nutrition. Political deadlock cannot be allowed to result in hunger," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including nearly 9,000 people in the district Morrison represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Morrison stresses that while a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention, during this time of increased need, she is encouraging those who are able to donate to their local food pantries.

“Food pantries serve hundreds of people each week – from families facing impossible choices between paying rent and buying groceries, parents skipping meals so their children can eat, and seniors stretching fixed incomes that simply don’t cover basic needs,” said Morrison. “No matter if you donate items or make a monetary donation, your generosity will have a significant positive impact for our neighbors in need.”

If you are in need of food assistance, please reach out to your township or contact these organizations. 

Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to resources. 

• Cook County: https://211metrochicago.org/
• Lake County: https://211lakecounty.org/

My Pantry Express, a program of Northern Illinois Food Bank: 

https://www.mypantryexpress.org/

Moraine Township Food Pantry: 800 Central Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035

morainetownship.org/food-pantry – 847-432-3240 

Northfield Township Food Pantry: 2550 Waukegan Rd., Suite 100, Glenview, IL 60025

northfieldtownship.com/food-pantry – 847-724-8300 

West Deerfield Township Food Pantry: 601 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015

westdeerfieldtownship.org/food-pantry – 847-945-0614  

Wheeling Township Food Pantry: 616 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004

wheelingtownship.com/food-pantry – 847-259-7730

Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Pl., Chicago, IL 60632

chicagosfoodbank.org – 773-247-3663 

Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Ct., Geneva, IL 60134

solvehungertoday.org – 630-443-6910

CHICAGO — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) issued the following statement after a verdict was reached in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan:

“Today we are reminded that integrity must be at the foundation of public service. As lawmakers, our duty is to work in the best interest of the people — not ourselves. We are entrusted with the responsibility to place ethics above power and profit.

“It is time to turn the page on corruption in the statehouse. For years, I have championed ethics reform legislation to strengthen transparency and accountability within our state government. The people of Illinois expect credibility, trust and honesty from their elected officials, and they deserve nothing less.”