Morrison: Fix the FOID will save lives, end backlog

HIGHWOOD — As other members of the General Assembly raise concerns about the FOID card backlog and outline a Second Amendment agenda, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging her colleagues to support the final push for her comprehensive firearms measure. 

“Fix the FOID is not anti-gun — it simply ensures guns are not possessed by people who should not legally have them,” Morrison said. “Fingerprinting everyone who applies for a card will help raise red flags if that person has a violent criminal history that should keep them from having a firearm.”

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Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission briefed on federal aid spending during pandemic

SPRINGFIELD – To monitor the progress of Illinois’ economic recovery, the bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission met with representatives from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) on Tuesday to discuss how the state is disbursing aid received through federal COVID-19 relief programs.

“Across the state, local governments, regional health departments, small businesses and residents are facing financial struggles as a result of the pandemic,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “Federal funding is intended to help our communities stay afloat, and it’s critical that the aid is administered carefully and efficiently to ensure that purpose is fulfilled.”

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Feigenholtz partners with dentists of Illinois Masonic for a new mobile van

CHICAGO – To expand access to dental care, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) joined the dental team at Illinois Masonic hospital at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new mobile dentistry van. Feigenholtz successfully fought for funding in the state budget to make the new van a reality.

“Oral hygiene and dental health is an important part of a person’s health care, but often is overlooked,” Feigenholtz said. “Dental visits are often expensive and not always covered by insurance. This new mobile unit will provide comprehensive and affordable dental care to adults and children that have traditionally experienced barriers to care.”

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Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission checks in on state COVID-19 relief programs

SPRINGFIELD – The bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission livestreamed Tuesday’s meeting to discuss relief programs administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“The RICC was initiated as a mechanism for the governor and his administration to inform the General Assembly of their actions in relation to COVID-19,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “The commission has been engaging with state agencies since July to provide feedback on the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan, and we decided it’s time for the public to get the opportunity to view these discussions as well.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Assistant DCEO Director Michael Negron gave an overview of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (Local CURE) programs, which provide pandemic relief aid to small businesses and local governments, respectively.

Read more: Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission checks in on state COVID-19 relief programs