DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Saturday, November 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Families throughout our state depend on this assistance for basic nutrition. Political deadlock cannot be allowed to result in hunger," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including nearly 9,000 people in the district Morrison represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Morrison stresses that while a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention, during this time of increased need, she is encouraging those who are able to donate to their local food pantries.

“Food pantries serve hundreds of people each week – from families facing impossible choices between paying rent and buying groceries, parents skipping meals so their children can eat, and seniors stretching fixed incomes that simply don’t cover basic needs,” said Morrison. “No matter if you donate items or make a monetary donation, your generosity will have a significant positive impact for our neighbors in need.”

If you are in need of food assistance, please reach out to your township or contact these organizations. 

Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to resources. 

• Cook County: https://211metrochicago.org/
• Lake County: https://211lakecounty.org/

My Pantry Express, a program of Northern Illinois Food Bank: 

https://www.mypantryexpress.org/

Moraine Township Food Pantry: 800 Central Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035

morainetownship.org/food-pantry – 847-432-3240 

Northfield Township Food Pantry: 2550 Waukegan Rd., Suite 100, Glenview, IL 60025

northfieldtownship.com/food-pantry – 847-724-8300 

West Deerfield Township Food Pantry: 601 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015

westdeerfieldtownship.org/food-pantry – 847-945-0614  

Wheeling Township Food Pantry: 616 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004

wheelingtownship.com/food-pantry – 847-259-7730

Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Pl., Chicago, IL 60632

chicagosfoodbank.org – 773-247-3663 

Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Ct., Geneva, IL 60134

solvehungertoday.org – 630-443-6910

CHICAGO — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) issued the following statement after a verdict was reached in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan:

“Today we are reminded that integrity must be at the foundation of public service. As lawmakers, our duty is to work in the best interest of the people — not ourselves. We are entrusted with the responsibility to place ethics above power and profit.

“It is time to turn the page on corruption in the statehouse. For years, I have championed ethics reform legislation to strengthen transparency and accountability within our state government. The people of Illinois expect credibility, trust and honesty from their elected officials, and they deserve nothing less.”

DEERFIELD — Building on Illinois’ commitment to expand job creation and support capital investment throughout the state, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the expansion of Fortune Brands Innovations headquarters in Deerfield.

“The State of Illinois’ business attraction incentives are stronger than ever under Governor Pritzker’s leadership,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “EDGE incentives are supporting Fortune Brands Innovations’ HQ expansion in Deerfield, and I’m proud to see this innovative company poised for continued growth as it creates and retains hundreds of good-paying jobs.”

Fortune Brands Innovations — an industry leader in creating home products under brands such as Moen, Larson, SentrySafe and Master Lock — will consolidate and streamline its U.S. divisional headquarters operations into a single global headquarters in Deerfield, creating at least 400 new full-time jobs.

LAKE FORESET – State Senator Julie Morrison is hosting a mobile Secretary of State event in Lake Forest, which will give area residents the opportunity to access some Secretary of State services at a location in the community, rather than visiting a Secretary of State facility.

“The Mobile Unit makes it easier for some to receive necessary services at a convenient location,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Spots are very limited, so make an appointment today.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lake Forest City Hall – located at 220 E. Deerpath Rd. – in the City Council Chambers.  Appointments are required and limited to 48 and must be made by calling Senator Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200. Walk-ins are not guaranteed service.

The ability to apply for a first-time Real ID at mobile events was recently added to the list of services available through the Mobile Unit. Other services that will be available are

• Driver’s Licenses (Renewal, Duplicate, Corrected)
• State ID Cards (First Time, Renewal, Duplicate, Corrected) (no fee for ages 65 and older.)
• Vehicle Registration Stickers (expiring within the current year)
• Organ and Tissue Donor/Voter Registration with License or ID Application. (Not available as a standalone service)

Proper documentation must be provided in order for Mobile Unit staff to accept license and ID applications for processing. A chart of acceptable documents may be found at https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf

Accepted forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover Credit, and Debit cards. Personal check or money order for the exact amount due for services dated on the date of the transaction.

No written or road exams will be administered. Drivers aged 78 and older will need to visit a Secretary of State facility to renew their driver’s license.