DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging small businesses continuing to face financial hardships due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Many small business owners continue to struggle, wonder when the pandemic will let up, and worry if their establishment can survive the colder months,” Morrison said. “Any business suffering – from restaurants to movie theatres – should apply for BIG funding as soon as it becomes available Thursday.”
The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, and another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Businesses located in Highwood in the 60040 ZIP code, Wheeling in the 60090 ZIP code and North Chicago in the 60064 ZIP code qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible ZIP codes, click here.

During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. More than 50 business in the district Morrison represents received a combined $870,000.

Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

DEERFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Kwame Y. Raoul’s decision to join 18 attorneys general in supporting California’s ban on large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

“There is absolutely no reason an everyday person needs to have possession of large-capacity magazines. The heartbreaking devastation caused by gun violence across the country cannot be overstated and must be put to an end. California’s ban is a great first step toward protecting public safety, and the rest of the country needs to follow suit.

“I thank Attorney General Raoul for his compassion and dedication toward defending this common sense measure to keep communities safe.”

DEERFIELD – In response to the Chicago City Council’s move to ban flavored vaping products across the city, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is calling on lawmakers to follow suit.

Morrison released the following statement Wednesday:

“In every form, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences. Children are being enticed by the creation of sugary flavors, which threatens the progress we have made over the last several decades to reduce tobacco usage among young people.

“I applaud the Chicago City Council for its decision to ban these products. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to take note and to prioritize the passage of a statewide ban during the upcoming legislative session.”

Morrison has been a steadfast supporter of banning flavored tobacco products intentionally being targeted to children with candy-like names. Last fall she filed a measure that would prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

The measure was put on hold to prioritize needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but Morrison plans to reintroduce it during the spring legislative session.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – To help address the widespread blood shortage that continues during this time of abundant need, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Jonathon Carroll will host a blood drive Sept. 15.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Prospect Heights fire protection building, located at 10 E. Camp McDonald Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers said blood containing these antibodies can treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

“Now more than ever we need to be good neighbors to each other,” Carroll (D-Northbrook) said. “This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to do our part and make sure we have a good supply of blood.”

To schedule a blood donation, people can visit bit.ly/blood-drive-9-15-20. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins can be seen if slots are open.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.