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.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) and State Representative Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) invite area residents to attend an Affordable Care Act enrollment and information session on Thursday, November 14. Certified Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators will be on hand to assist with enrollment and a representative from the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace will provide information and answer questions about the federal Affordable Care Act.

The event will take place at the Alcott Center of the Buffalo Grove Park District, 530 Bernard Drive,
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

“The Affordable Care Act includes a mandate for most individuals to have health insurance or potentially pay a penalty for noncompliance. People in my legislative district are concerned about how the implementation of the ACA will affect them and their businesses. I felt it was necessary to provide them an opportunity to speak directly with experts,” said Morrison.

Nekritz added, “Many residents have special circumstances and are not sure how to answer the questions on the ‘Get Covered Illinois’ website. Those in attendance will be able to work one-on-one with a certified Health Insurance Marketplace navigator to make sure they get the proper information.”

To RSVP or for more information contact Representative Nekritz at 847-229-5499 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Senator Morrison at 847-945-5200 or email via her website, www.SenatorJulieMorrison.com.

On Friday, State Senator Julie Morrison visited Arden Shore Child and Family Services – a 115-year-old child service provider in Lake County.

Arden Shore’s location, services and workers have changed over the decades, but its core mission has remained the same: to help children grow up in safe, structured, nurturing environments.

The service provider has come a long way since its creation as a summer camp on the shores of Lake Michigan for poor women and children living in Chicago. Today, Arden Shore runs a group home for children with special needs, a foster program and various support programs for parents and other caregivers. It also recognizes the importance of Lake County’s growing Latino population and provides bilingual services.