HIGHWOOD – People with disabilities will soon be able to take greater advantage of the Watts Recreational Center and its ice skating rink thanks to a $2.5 million investment from the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program supported by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“The Watts Recreational Center has been a staple for many years thanks to its outdoor, lighted skating rinks and more than three acres of land,” Morrison said. “More people will be able to comfortably use this Glencoe gem because of this additional funding.”

The Watts Recreational Center, located within the Glencoe Park District, will receive $2.5 million for renovations and updates to allow the center to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Projects include a new elevator, a secondary entrance, as well as a new multi-purpose room, restrooms and storage. Additionally, support spaces within the ice skating rink will be renovated.

The PARC grant program provides up to 90% of project costs to help build, renovate and improve recreational buildings used by the public, with local governments matching the value of the grants awarded. The grant to Glencoe Park District was one of 17 grants awarded across the state this week.

“Fighting for inclusivity for people with disabilities has been one of my top priorities as a state senator, so it’s great to see that by voting for the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program, I was, in part, voting for a more inclusive community,” Morrison said.

A full list of grantees is available on IDNR’s website.

HIGHWOOD – Lake County residents will have an easier time receiving their COVID-19 vaccine thanks to enhanced support from the state, and Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) encourages any person eligible to schedule their shot at the Lake County Fairgrounds vaccination site.

“More workers will allow us to eventually create more vaccination sites, which will lead to more accessible doses for all Lake County residents,” Morrison said. “If you’re eligible, it’s time to make a plan to get your shot.”

The Illinois National Guard was called upon by Governor JB Pritzker to bolster current operations at the Lake County Fairgrounds site. Bringing in the National Guard will allow existing staff to relocate to other parts of the county to assure wider distribution of the vaccine to the communities who need it the most.

The COVID-19 vaccination site at the Lake County Fairgrounds opened earlier this year to help vaccinate as many people as possible. Because of the size of the expo hall, dozens of vehicles can be parked inside while the vaccine is administered to them through their windows. 

To receive a vaccine, people must be registered on the Lake County AllVax system and bring their QR code, which will then be scanned before the vaccine is delivered.

“Health care workers and the Illinois National Guard members who have been supporting the state’s vaccine efforts deserve the utmost appreciation,” Morrison said. “Please, if you are eligible, get your vaccine and thank a health care worker.”

Additionally, any person in Illinois who meets the eligibility criteria can schedule an appointment at a state-supported mass vaccination site by visiting vaccine.cookcounty.il.gov.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to curb the price of dental care by expanding Medicaid coverage for people with autism and developmental disabilities sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is on its way to be considered by the full Senate. 

“Healthy teeth can help lead to better overall physical health,” Morrison said. “However, not everyone can endure the stressors of the dentist. We must ensure everyone – including people with autism or other developmental disabilities – can receive the care they need.”

Senate Bill 346 addresses dental care services that are either not covered or under-reimbursed by Medicaid. The measure, which is similar to two bills Morrison filed last year before the pandemic, expands coverage of dental care and anesthesia for people with autism or a developmental disability, making those individuals more comfortable when visiting the dentist.

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, because it is difficult for them to get treatment, people with developmental disorders suffer “a high burden of dental disease.” More than 30% of the patients studied suffered from untreated cavities and 80% from serious gum infections.

Additionally, the measure requires Medicaid to cover dental care, including anesthesia, that is provided in a hospital or surgical treatment center for any individual with a medical condition that requires hospitalization or general anesthesia.

The measure passed the Senate Health Committee Tuesday. It now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

As the countdown to the tax filing deadline begins, many of us are thinking about doing our taxes online in an effort to mitigate the fear of contracting COVID-19.

But that can lead to other fears as well: Are you at risk fraud if you enter such personal information via a computer?

The short answer: If you’re safe, no. There are many ways to protect yourself from cyber scams.

Join myself and a representative from the Illinois attorney general’s office next Friday, March 19 at 1 p.m. for a free, virtual event to teach you how to protect yourself from tax fraud, and to learn about common scams seen throughout the pandemic.

To register in advance for the event, click here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 847-945-5200.

I hope you’ll take advantage of this free opportunity!