HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement in response to recent and current events happening in our nation’s capital:
“The reported rhetoric spewed by newly-sworn in Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller is disgraceful and must be condemned by all people – regardless of political party, race or religion. Every person with a moral conscience should be offended by anyone quoting Adolf Hitler and should vilify these statements.
“Moreover, as we watch the violent and shameful acts in Washington, D.C. unfold, I urge everyone to practice peace, engage in civil discourse and hope for a better tomorrow. There is room for peaceful protest – there is not room for violent treason.”
HIGHWOOD — As other members of the General Assembly raise concerns about the FOID card backlog and outline a Second Amendment agenda, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging her colleagues to support the final push for her comprehensive firearms measure.
“Fix the FOID is not anti-gun — it simply ensures guns are not possessed by people who should not legally have them,” Morrison said. “Fingerprinting everyone who applies for a card will help raise red flags if that person has a violent criminal history that should keep them from having a firearm.”
Senate Bill 1966 would make key changes to Illinois’ current FOID system, requiring background checks for all gun sales, requiring applicants to submit their fingerprints, requiring FOID renewals every five years instead of 10, and creating a task force within the Illinois State Police to prioritize FOID card revocations when there is clear and present danger.
It would also increase the FOID application and renewal fee from $10 to $50. However, that funding would also go to the state police to help them do their job of processing and administering FOID cards, which would help with backlogged requests.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison was confident it would soon be on its way to the governor’s office, as it just needed final approval from the Senate.
The measure was brought to life in response to the February 2019 shooting at the Henry Pratt building in Aurora. The shooter had received a FOID card in January 2014, after lying about a conviction that would have caused him to fail the background check.
Illinois State Police Director Brenden Kelly said in February that the fingerprinting aspect of the measure could have prevented the tragedy.
“I firmly believe we have developed the framework that would keep guns out of the hands of people we know would present a risk to themselves or others,” Morrison said. “I hope to see this measure cross the finish line next month, so we can finally close to the loopholes in gun laws.”
Morrison has requested the measure be brought up during the Senate’s anticipated January lame-duck session.
LAKE COUNTY, Ill. —State Senators Julie Morrison and Adriane Johnson are congratulating a number of Lake County-based museums who were awarded part of a $22.8 billion grant to improve facilities and develop new exhibits.
“Museums serve as a place for people to explore, families to bond and children to learn,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Due to the ongoing public health crisis, many of these outstanding facilities have lost money, despite continuing to share their facilities with the public through new virtual ways.”
Buffalo Grove Park District was one of more than three dozen institutions to receive part of the $22.8 million in funding. The Educational Gardens at The Nature Classroom program through the park district received $246,000.
“Museums and the exhibits and programs they offer help tell a story of our community and state’s history,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The additional funding will allow these institutions to expand, grow and create more opportunities for Lake County residents and all who visit.”
The Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program, spearheaded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was open to any museum operated by a local government or located on municipally-owned land.
The Waukegan History Museum Expansion at the Carnegie Center through the Waukegan Park District, located in the district Johnson represents, also received $750,000 in assistance through the grant program.
Additionally, the Chicago Botanic Garden, located in the district Morrison represents, received $750,000 for water main improvements.
For more information on the Museum Capital Grant Program, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s website.
DEERFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased to learn 19 businesses in the district she represents have received financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and she is encouraging more to apply.
“Small business owners have been some of the people hardest hit by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Morrison said. “These funds will help them keep their doors open and their employees paid while keeping the community safe.”
Nearly 20 businesses in the district Morrison represents received a combined $700,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants last week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.
“Although these grants are extremely helpful, nothing beats support of the local community,” Morrison said. “I encourage people to continue to shop at their local small businesses, especially when shopping for the holidays.”
The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.
Page 17 of 88