SPRINGFIELD – A plan that would make it easier for domestic violence victims to file temporary orders of protection passed the Senate this afternoon.

“Survivors of domestic violence or abuse often have a very difficult time coming forward and reporting their abuse,” State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) said. “In instances where there is an immediate threat to the safety of an individual, filing a temporary order of protection is vitally important.”

House Bill 6109 would permit the Illinois Supreme Court to establish a pilot program that would allow individuals to electronically file petitions for temporary orders of protection. Currently, a person must appear in a civil court to file a petition for an order of protection.

SPRINGFIELD – For many patients suffering from chronic medical conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, mental illness or chronic pain, finding the right medication for treatment of serious symptoms can be difficult. For patients who do find a medication that works for them, staying on that medication is vital.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) passed a plan out of the Senate yesterday afternoon that would give more flexibility to patients who are benefiting from a certain drug but are required by their insurance company to take a less-costly medication.

“Patients who have been prescribed a certain medication by their doctor should not have to jump through hoops with an insurance bureaucrat to get their medicine,” State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) said. “This proposal is the culmination of a yearlong negotiation process that I am proud to say is an agreement between the insurance industry and patient advocates.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) released the following statement after voting yesterday in support of Senate Bill 2038, a bipartisan spending plan that would allocate $714 million to Illinois’ struggling human service providers:

“Yesterday’s vote is crucial for the hundreds of nonprofit organizations that are struggling to maintain services and keep their doors open. Programs serving individuals with autism, the homeless and sexual assault survivors are vital to thousands of Illinoisans who rely on their care and support. I urge the governor to sign this bill immediately and provide relief to our struggling providers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ colleges and universities have begun receiving funding from the state for the first time since June thanks to a plan supported by Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) and signed by the governor. A similar plan to provide nearly $450 million to struggling human service providers, however, has yet to receive a vote in the House.

“Every day that goes by, another provider is that much closer to announcing staff layoffs, service interruptions or even closure,” Morrison said. “I urge the House to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and pass funding for our human service providers immediately.”

The Senate sent Senate Bill 2047, which passed without opposition, to the House on April 22. The proposal provides nearly $450 million in funding to a host of human service providers, including funding for autism services, sexual assault programs and mental health supportive housing.