SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of domestic violence will now have an easier and more convenient way to prove they’re under an order of protection under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) signed Friday.

“We must do all we can to protect survivors of domestic violence and provide them with the peace of mind that they are safe,” Morrison said. “Part of helping them should be making that protection convenient and easily documented.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday that allows Illinois corporations to safely and effectively hold shareholder meetings virtually.

“While a lot of our favorite activities were halted during the pandemic – much of our daily work and meetings weren’t,” Morrison said. “Corporations must be able to have transparent and safe communications between their boards and shareholders.”

SPRINGFIELD – When a child is in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, they often don’t know where to turn for legal help – despite having court-appointed assistance. However, under a law signed Friday that was championed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), they will finally have a clearer understanding of their options.

“Our state’s most vulnerable population needs to know they have people who are there to help them every step of the way,” Morrison said. “The last thing foster families and children need during an already high-stress situation is to worry about how to handle their legal proceedings.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure people with gluten intolerances aren’t unknowingly consuming gluten in the medications they take, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to require oral drugs to carry proper warning labels was signed into law.

“Restaurants and grocery stores have increased their gluten-free offerings and have become far better equipped to properly label and handle items for people with dietary restrictions,” Morrison said. “People with Celiac and other gluten intolerances should feel just as protected when visiting a pharmacy.”

HIGHLAND PARK – Wrapped in photos of Malala Yousafzai, Gandhi, Harriet Tubman, Simon Wiesenthal, Cesar Chavez and Rosa Parks, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance drives across the country with one mission: to teach communities how they can make a difference, much like the changes made by those historical figures.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is bringing the traveling museum to Highland Park next week to address the tide of hate people across the country face.

“We’ve seen an increase of hate toward minority communities in Illinois and across the country – and it must stop,” Morrison said. “We need to strive for open dialogue, mutual understanding and positive education within our communities to end this discrimination.”

As an advocate for peace building and conflict resolution, Morrison is partnering with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to show people how they can combat ill feelings for certain groups. The Mobile Museum of Tolerance seeks to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to raise their voices and combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance and to promote human dignity.

The traveling museum includes a theater with seating and workshops to teach people about a variety of topics, including the evils behind the Holocaust and the fight for civil rights that continues today.

Located in the parking lot of the Highland Park Recreation Center on Park Avenue West, people can visit the Mobile Museum of Tolerance free of charge to learn about topics ranging from the legacy of the Holocaust to the power of ordinary people to create positive change in the community. The bus is open from noon-6 p.m. each day of the week of July 26-30.

“The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a reminder that each of us can make a difference if we simply work together and learn how to care for one another,” Morrison said. “No matter if you’re 5 or 85, there’s work you can do to become the best ally to your neighbors.”

People with questions about the event can contact Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200.

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

HIGHWOOD – Following recent findings that the Illinois Department of Children and Family was not respecting the needs of LGBTQ youth in care, the agency announced Tuesday it is enhancing its LGBTQ training and resources. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is calling on the department to adhere to its policies to ensure all children feel safe and heard.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles,” Morrison said. “I am hopeful under the enhanced training DCFS will work more diligently to respect LGBTQ children’s identities and prioritize the care they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following a number of ethics violations under the dome over the years, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) helped pass a measure to hold lawmakers, lobbyists and other insiders to the highest ethical standards.

“We must continue to strive for more transparency, greater disclosure and a higher standard of conduct,” Morrison said. “This commonsense legislation calls for lawmakers to work in the best interest of the people of Illinois – not in the best interest of themselves or their wallets.”

The ethics overhaul measure – found within Senate Bill 539 – makes a number of changes to current ethics law, including instituting a revolving door for executive branch elected officials and legislators becoming lobbyists, enacting a more clear statement of economic interest form and creating a statewide lobbying database.

Many of the items found within the measure were originally part of an ethics package filed by Morrison in January 2020. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that measure was not able to make it across the finish line. However, Morrison is pleased to have pledged her support for this bill that will help end corruption in Illinois government.

“This is another step toward ending the glaring corruption taking place in Springfield,” Morrison said. “I applaud my colleagues in both chambers for passing real, lasting ethics reform.”

The measure passed both chambers.