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.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is collecting donations for Tri-Con Child Care Center, a local non-profit, non-denominational daycare and preschool program for children from low-income families.

“This program helps some of the poorest families in our communities. Every kid there receives some sort of financial assistance,” Morrison said. “With the holidays coming up, we should all be thankful for what we have and try to help out people who are in need.”

Tri-Con needs new child-sized sweat pants size 3 to 7 and board games for children ages 3 to 7. Tri-Con often sends educational board games home with children so that they can continue to practice their skills while having fun.