SPRINGFIELD — Plastic pollution is a widespread issue in the Great Lakes region, with an estimated 11 million pounds of plastic entering Lake Michigan alone each year. To help reduce the volume of single-use plastic items, State Senator Julie Morrison is supporting efforts to eliminate plastic bags at Illinois retailers.

“Plastic doesn’t go away — it breaks into smaller pieces that end up in our water sources, wildlife and eventually, our bodies,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), whose district borders Lake Michigan. “This plastic accumulation creates a sustained environmental and health hazard that needs to be addressed.”

Senate Bill 1872 would prohibit retailers from offering single-use plastic bags beginning Jan. 1, 2029. Businesses would be allowed to offer customers the option to purchase recycled paper bags for 10 cents per bag. Restaurants, gas stations under 5,000 square feet, and small businesses with 12 or fewer locations in Illinois employing 250 or fewer employees would be exempt from the plastic bag ban.

SPRINGFIELD — To improve how the state identifies and supports victims of human trafficking, State Senator Julie Morrison joined the director of Illinois State Police, state agency representatives and a trafficking survivor at a press conference Wednesday to outline her bipartisan proposal to streamline services among agencies.

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that too often goes unrecognized,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is the result of years of collaboration aimed at strengthening efforts to identify individuals who are being exploited and enhancing support for survivors in their recovery.”

Senate Bill 2323 works to address human trafficking in Illinois through a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach. Based on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group — formed in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders and state agencies — the bill would establish a strategic plan to build a network of services for trafficking survivors, including the creation of standards of care for medical and legal service providers.

SPRINGFIELD — Despite dedicating their time and safety to serve our country, over 11% of veterans face food insecurity in the U.S. — an issue State Senator Julie Morrison looks to remedy through legislation that will help more Illinois military families access food benefits.

“I’ve seen veterans in my district who are forced to rely on food pantries because their household doesn’t qualify for SNAP benefits,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Veterans served our state and our nation — they should be able to access the resources they need to live comfortably.”

Morrison’s measure, Senate Bill 32, would raise the income level at which households with a veteran or member of the Armed Forces would be eligible for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under current law, households without seniors or individuals with disabilities must have a gross income at or below 165% of the federal poverty guidelines — for a family of four, this would be a monthly income limit of $4,290 for Fiscal Year 2025. Senate Bill 32 proposes raising this threshold to 200% of the poverty level for veterans and military families, which would bring the monthly income limit to $5,200.

HIGHLAND PARK — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) and several of her family members and volunteers were in Highland Park’s 2022 Fourth of July parade when the shooting began. Following the news that Robert Crimo III pleaded guilty to the mass shooting that left seven dead, she issued the below statement:

“Today our community continues the long path toward healing. While no legal outcome can erase our collective pain and trauma, this guilty plea spares victims and their families from reliving this tragic day. My heart is with those who were prepared to share their stories in the name of justice.

“Senseless gun violence cannot be our normal way of life. No one should live in fear — in their homes, out celebrating with their community or while going to school. We must continue to fight for legislation that keeps weapons out of the wrong hands.”