SPRINGFIELD – Due to the extremely high cost of EpiPens, many people go without – living life each day hoping they aren’t faced with an allergic reaction that requires the lifesaving medicine. To combat the burdensome price, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) has passed a measure to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

“With increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, people are relying on EpiPens more than ever,” Morrison said. “Nobody with a serious allergy should go without an epinephrine injector simply because they cannot afford one.”

In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors – also known by the brand name of EpiPens – for minors. However, she wants to take the law one step further by removing the age limitation. Morrison introduced identical legislation last year, but it was stalled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) has passed a measure to allow preventative dental services within schools.

“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 measure, 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.

About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11, and about 13% of those between 12 and 19, have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who have poor oral health also often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

“The best way to keep teeth healthy is through preventative dental care – but not every person has the means to go the dentist routinely,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 346 passed the Senate Wednesday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is leading a measure to eliminate infertility treatment barriers posed by a lack of disclosure in health insurance plans.

“Infertility is a difficult diagnosis for a family to receive,” Morrison said. “They may assume treatment will be covered, only to find out their insurance plan was written in another state and out-of-pocket costs will be substantial.”

Senate Bill 1905 – which passed through the Senate Labor Committee Wednesday – would create the Family and Fertility Disclosure in Health Insurance Act. Under the measure, if an employer’s health insurance coverage is not written within Illinois, the insurance company must disclose a written list of services that are and are not covered.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a bill that creates an organ donation tax credit for private employers.

“Organ donors transform lives and reshape futures through selfless acts,” Morrison said. “I’m hopeful this measure will encourage more people to participate in the generous act they feel they have been called to do.”

The measure creates an optional organ donation tax credit for private employers. The credit is applicable if the employer allows its employees the option to take paid leave of absence for a minimum of 30 days for serving as an organ or bone marrow donor.

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast supporter of keeping tobacco out of the hands of children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) passed the Preventing Youth Vaping Act through committee Wednesday.

“Vaping- and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are,” Morrison said. “We were doing so well on changing the culture of smoking, and now we have gone backward — especially the younger generation.”

SPRINGFIELD –To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a bill to allow preventative dental services within schools.

“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 measure, 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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who passed Illinois’ red flag law in 2018, commends President Joe Biden for his order for the U.S. Department of Justice to publish model red flag laws for other states to use as guides.

She released the following statement Thursday:

“In far too many mass shooting events that have taken place across our state and country, family members and friends of the shooter later identified they had threatening behavior, but the loved one didn’t know where to turn. Or, reports were made to law enforcement but there wasn’t a legal mechanism in place to get the weapon out of the hands of the perpetrator.

“We cannot idly sit back and watch innocent lives be reprehensibly taken in ways that could be halted. I commend President Biden for his broad effort to ensure the country begins to move forward with more comprehensive gun safety measures.”

HIGHWOOD – To bring more attention to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ new online reporting system and what signs to look for to protect children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is hosting a webinar next week with DCFS and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center.

“The new online reporting system provides an easier and more efficient way to report child abuse and neglect,” Morrison said. “However, not enough people know how user-friendly the system is or when it should be used. My hope is this informational webinar will teach people about the signs of abuse and neglect, and when to make a report.”

Morrison is hosting a free virtual Lunch and Learn webinar to discuss the DCFS hotline and its new reporting platform. A representative from the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center will also be in attendance to discuss what the organization does and how each person can help make a difference in the lives of the state’s at-risk children.

It will take place Friday, April 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom. The event is the second installment of Morrison’s new Lunch and Learn series – a monthly virtual event to teach Illinoisans more about the work state agencies do and show off the great local attractions Illinois has to offer.

“If the pandemic has done one positive thing, it has showed us how easy it is to connect with each other virtually from the comfort of our homes,” Morrison said. “It has been a pleasure connecting with people from across the state through these events, and I can’t wait to continue to meet and inform more people as the year goes on – even after the pandemic subsides.”

The webinar is free, but registration is required. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/3sImYy0.