DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, which created 100 summer jobs for Lake County teens.

“So many teens rely on summer work — especially those who live in low-income households,” Morrison said. “The current pandemic made finding jobs more difficult. However, thanks to the program, dozens of teens will be able to earn money while learning skills they can put to use both now and for years to come.”

Lake County-based Employee Connections was one of 30 youth employment providers to receive $500,000 to employ 100 youth between June and August. The program will provide a total of $9.3 million to support dozens of projects across counties hardest hit by the pandemic, which in turn will employ thousands of teens. 

Many people — both teens and adults — have struggled to find work during the COVID-19 health crisis. The program will curb those struggles by putting Lake County teens to work while helping complete projects in the community. 

“The program will allow teens to kick start their careers by learning the skills they need to succeed in the future,” Morrison said. “This is a great opportunity for young adults to receive career training that will shape them into community leaders for years to come.” 

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement on a criminal bribery investigation that appears to implicate the highest leadership in the Illinois House:

“Today’s development is further proof of the ongoing corruption in Illinois government and the need for change. For far too long, people in and related to the General Assembly have gotten away with unethical and illegal actions with no repercussions. The ComEd investigation speaks for itself: We must step up. We must push for ethics reform. We must not allow corrupt people to serve in office.

I ask every member of the General Assembly to uphold their legal and ethical obligation to the people they represent, and to join me in the upcoming session to prioritize the overhaul of this system.”

SPRINGFIELD – Oftentimes following a mass shooting, friends, family members or neighbors mention they were worried about the person’s threatening behavior but didn’t know where to turn.

“Time and time again, we hear family members say they were worried that someone close to them would harm others, but they didn’t know who to tell until it was too late,” said State Senator Julie Morrison. “Previously, if a person did report disturbing behavior, there was not a law in place to allow law enforcement to step in.”

The far too common occurrence led the Deerfield Democrat to pass the Firearms Restraining Order Act – also known as the “Red Flag” law.

The measure – which went into effect in January – allows family members and law enforcement officials who have concerns that someone is a threat to themselves or others the right to ask a judge to temporarily remove their guns.

If a judge grants the restraining order, law enforcement may seize the respondent’s firearms for up to six months and prevent them from purchasing additional weapons during that time period.

“The Red Flag law has the ability to stop mass shootings by temporarily keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others,” Morrison said. “If you are concerned about the behavior of a loved one, I encourage you to contact local law enforcement.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) has been appointed to the Task Force on Strengthening the Child Welfare Workforce for Family and Children.

Morrison – who chairs the Senate Human Services Committee – looks forward to studying the workload of child welfare employees to determine the recruitment and retention of the workers.

She released the statement below:

“Analysing the compensation and workload of child welfare workers will allow the task force to determine the role staff turnover plays in achieving safety and permanency for children,” Morrison said. “I am pleased to continue working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in Illinois.”