CHICAGO – On December 10, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) convened a special hearing of a Human Services subcommittee to investigate why Illinois saw a sharp spike in deaths resulting from child abuse and neglect last year and to look into a particularly troubling case in which a young Cook County girl – Gizzell Ford – died despite DCFS involvement in her short life.

Morrison was looking not to assign blame, but to find solutions.

“I was troubled by a number of recent media reports that indicated children were slipping through the cracks of our system,” said Morrison, who has been working to find ways to improve the Department of Children and Family Services’ performance for months. “I know we’ll never prevent every death, but we should always strive to do better.”

A health insurance seminar for state retirees hosted by Senator Julie Morrison (D - Deerfield) drew nearly a thousand people over the weekend at the Buffalo Grove Performing Arts Center. Morrison sought this seminar after hearing there were none scheduled in Lake County.

"I would like to thank everyone who came out and attended the seminar," Morrison said. "Changes to health benefits can appear daunting to many. It's crucial that retirees have an opportunity like this to have their specific questions addressed."

Some attendees had follow up questions that Senator Morrison has committed to finding answers to.

DEERFIELD – The governor’s recent decision to move most state retirees (including retired teachers) from their current insurance to Medicare Advantage has left many people with unanswered questions. To help address these concerns, the state Department of Central Management Services scheduled a series of seminars throughout the state.

However, none were scheduled for the northern suburbs, and after hearing from many upset area residents, State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) worked with CMS to schedule a special Saturday seminar.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) joined 31 of her colleagues to pass legislation allowing same-sex marriage in Illinois starting next June. She issued the following statement:

“This law is about equality under the law. It ensures that all Illinois residents have the freedom to marry the people they choose. It’s about reinforcing that gay, lesbian and bisexual Illinois residents are equal to everyone else in this state.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 10, has now passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and now goes to the governor, who has already committed to signing it.