At the first meeting of the Senate Special Committee on Watercraft Safety, State Senator Julie Morrison addressed a packed room of boating enthusiasts to discuss some of her ideas to improve the safety of Illinois’ lakes and rivers. Expert witnesses, including the director of the Department of Natural Resources, the Lake County sheriff and the heads of local community groups, all discussed the pros and cons of her ideas.

“My goal is to keep people safe,” Morrison said. “I want to work with everyone to improve our safety standards without creating additional costs or inconveniences.”

On Thursday, August 29, Senator Julie Morrison will chair the first hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Watercraft Safety. The hearing is a continuation of her efforts to keep our state’s waterways safe and fun for everyone. It will focus on three boating safety measures introduced by Morrison last year. More information, including a list of the legislation the committee will discuss, is available here. If you are interested in providing testimony on the official record, click here and fill out the online form. You can also fill out a form in person at the hearing.

WHAT:     First hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Watercraft Safety
WHEN:     August 29, 1 p.m.
WHERE:  Lake County Central Permit Facility (500 W. Winchester, Libertyville, IL)
DETAILS: The committee will hear testimony on three bills introduced during the 2013 spring session of the General Assembly: Senate Bill 1477, Senate Bill 1478 and Senate Bill 1805. No votes will be taken.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Julie Morrison was pleased to see the governor sign a new state law allowing the Department of Human Services to facilitate mental health first aid training programs for people like teachers, librarians and pastors who spend a great deal of time working with the public.

These programs train people on how to recognize the early warning signs of mental health and substance abuse disorders and crises.

“Catching a mental health problem or substance abuse disorder early can save its victim years of anguish,” Morrison said. “A respected leader like a teacher or minister can help d

State Senator Julie Morrison co-sponsored several new laws that will help encourage teenagers to make good health choices by making it more difficult to start unhealthy habits. The new laws:

- Prohibit children and teenagers from buying e-cigarettes

- Prohibit children and teenagers from using commercial tanning beds

- Create a task force to confront the problem of teen heroin use

“It’s our job as parents and community members to encourage young people to make good decisions about their future,” Morrison said. “Kids who start smoking or tanning before they are adults are more likely to end up with cancer, but many of them are too young to understand the long-term consequences of these dangerous choices.”